PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has distanced himself in the allegation of P1-billion hidden wealth hurled against Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista.
In an interview on Monday night, Duterte said he wanted a "hands-off" approach on Bautista's case, who was alleged by his estranged wife Patricia Paz "Tish" Bautista of amassing ill-gotten wealth.
Duterte said he preferred not to intervene because he does not want to be misconstrued as someone who prosecutes people from the "other side of political fence."
He was apparently referring to Bautista, who was appointed by his predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III.
"I am not into the habit of prosecuting people, especially from the other side of the fence, political fence, especially Bautista because he was appointed by Noynoy (Aquino). I do not want to be misconstrued," the President said.
Bautista, according to his wife, purportedly failed to declare several properties, as well as domestic and offshore accounts, in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth.
The poll chief, however, denied the allegations.
The President confirmed that he met Bautista and his wife separately because that was a "very serious" case.
He said he decided not to involve himself in the controversy and merely told Bautista to "fix his quarrel with the wife."
"I don't want to meddle. I cannot help but listen to people who have complaints against anybody," Duterte said. (VoxPop Philippines)
