"I was surprised. I think it was the other day, he filed his resignation. I think I signed it because it would be better if he leaves," Duterte said in an interview with broadcaster Erwin Tulfo aired on state-owned PTV4 on Friday night.
"I don't know if you can still impeach him or not because by resigning, he has removed himself," he added.
Facing allegations of amassing P1 billion in unexplained wealth, Bautista previously announced that he will resign by December to give time for President Duterte to choose his successor.
However, the response of the Office of the President to his letter says his resignation is effective immediately. This means his resignation will be effective when his office closes today.
The Comelec chief was impeached by lawmakers in the House of Representatives earlier this month, overturning the justice committee's dismissal of the complaint against him.
President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the resignation of poll chief Andres Bautista effective immediately, contrary to the poll chief's earlier announcement that he will only step down from his post by the end of the year.
In a press conference, Bautista said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea sent a letter accepting his resignation effectively immediately. He said he only got the letter today.
"This was not an easy decision. But my family, especially my children, need me now more than ever... I am thankful for the love, prayers, and support you have shown me most especially during my most challenging times," he added.
"Upon the instruction of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, I wish to inform you that your resignation is hereby accepted effective immediately," said the letter signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
"Upon the instruction of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, I wish to inform you that your resignation is hereby accepted effective immediately," said the letter signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
Mga Komento
Mag-post ng isang Komento