After a time of soul searching, Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista on Friday said he believes he needs to stay on in the poll body - at least for now.

"Patuloy ang aking pag-iisip at pagdarasal. Meron ako nabasa - God answers prayer in 3 ways, either yes, not yet or I have a better plan for you. Siguro yun nga, yung pagli-leave or pag re-resign parang ang sagot sa akin ay 'not yet.' Tignan po natin sa mga susunod na mga araw kung ano ang mangyayari. Again, patuoy po ang ating pagninilay-nilay kung ano ang dapat gawin," Bautista told radio DZMM.

The poll chief earlier asked for more time to think and pray after accusations of unexplained wealth from his own estranged wife triggered calls for his resignation.

In an interview, Patricia Bautista said she found passbooks and envelopes containing cash that allegedly belong to her husband.

• Comelec chief's wife shows passbooks, cash in envelopes, commission sheet

Bautista has denied wrongdoing and accused his wife of extortion and having an affair.

The House of Representatives justice committee is set to tackle on Tuesday an impeachment complaint filed against Bautista.