MANILA - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will be also investigating Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista, according to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II.

Aguirre said this was the result of his talks with BIR commissioner Cesar Dulay regarding the issue surrounding Bautista, whose wealth has been questioned by his own wife.

The Justice secretary said the BIR wants to know if the Comelec chief is paying the right taxes amid the allegations hurled against him.

• (Sabi ni Mister, sabi ni Misis: Away ng mga Bautista)

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), meanwhile, was ordered to probe into the alleged hidden wealth of Bautista, according to Aguirre.

The NBI was also assigned to ensure the security details of the Comelec chief's estranged wife, Patricia "Tish" Bautista, and make sure of her safety.

Bautista's camp said they welcome any impartial investigation so that the Comelec chief can prove that the accusations against him are baseless.

"We welcome any impartial investigation as this will be an opportunity for us to prove that the accusations against Chairman Bautista are baseless and fabricated," said Atty. Arnel Diaz, legal counsel of Bautista. -- report from Jeck Batallones, ABS-CBN News

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