MANILA - Embattled Commission on Elections (Comelec) chief Andres Bautista said the welfare of his children is his primary priority as he faced an impeachment complaint over his alleged P1-billion in undeclared wealth and purported election irregularities.

In a statement Wednesday, Bautista said he would refrain from making a comment until he has read the complaint.

“I spent today meeting with the guidance counselors of my sons. At this point, the welfare of my 4 boys takes precedence over all other concerns. Let me reserve my comments till I read the complaint,” Bautista said.

The complaint cited the alleged misdeclaration of the poll chief’s wealth and the hacking of the Comelec website in the 2016 elections.

The complaint was filed by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) lawyer Ferdinand Topacio‏ and former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto Paras, and has been endorsed by Cebu 3rd District Rep. Gwen Garcia, Cavite 7th District Rep. Abraham Tolentino and Kabayan party-list Rep. Harry Roque.

Bautista's estranged wife Patricia earlier claimed she discovered bank and real property documents, and several passbooks under her husband's name that were not included in his statement of assets liabilities and net worth.

The Comelec chief has denied the charge and accused his wife of having an affair and attempting to extort a P620 million settlement.