COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Juan Andres Bautista on Thursday said that taking a leave of absence and even quitting are part of his options amid the impeachment complaint lodged against him.

In an ambush interview upon his arrival at the House of Representatives for Comelec’s budget deliberations, the poll chief said the interest of his family remains his priority.

“Ngayon ang ating mga tinitimbang kung ano ang susunod na hakbang at syempre, gusto nating protektahan yung mga interest, unang una, ng aking pamilya, [pati na rin] ang interest din ng Comelec,” Bautista said.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon already said that she asked Bautista to temporarily leave his post, “for the sake of Comelec.”

Bautista is the subject of a corruption scandal after his own wife, Patricia, revealed that the Comelec chief has amassed at least a billion peso worth of assets, which she said might be “ill-gotten.”

On Wednesday, three lawmakers endorsed an impeachment complaint against Bautista, on the basis of Patricia’s exposé, among other grounds.

Asked about the complaint, Bautista said he will answer the allegations at “the right time and right forum.” (SunStar Philippines)