Ex-Comelec chief denies receiving bribe money

MANILA, Philippines — Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista yesterday denied allegations that he received a bribe from poll automation company Smartmatic or any other entity.

Bautista issued the statement on X, formerly Twitter, after it was reported that he was charged for money laundering and conspiracy by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

“I am surprised to learn about a complaint filed against me. I have never been contacted by the US Department of Homeland Security about it for comment. But let me be very clear. I did not ask for nor receive any bribe money from Smartmatic or any other entity,” Bautista said.

“Be that as it may, I am ready to respond to the alleged charges at the proper forum and time. The 2016 Philippine National Elections were hailed by various independent national and local election stakeholders as the best managed in our electoral history,” he added.

The former poll chief noted that the Philippine Supreme Court already voted unanimously to dismiss an electoral protest filed by now President Marcos, who questioned the victory of Leni Robredo in the 2016 vice presidential race.

The supposed charges, which news site Rappler attributed to a report from international news service MLex, alleged bribery involving a poll technology company and the 2016 elections in the Philippines.

It was Smartmatic that provided the voting machines used in that elections.

In a statement, the company maintained that it “has adhered to the Philippine Procurement Law and the strict controls that the Philippine Commission on Elections imposes” in every bidding process and procurement procedure.

“Winning a bid in the Philippines is never solely one individual’s preference or