Comelec formally proclaims Eric Yap as Benguet solon

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has formally proclaimed Eric Yap as representative of the lone district of Benguet.

The Benguet Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) reconvened on Wednesday to proclaim Yap as the winning congressional candidate of the lone district for the recent midterm elections after the Comelec Second Division issued a certificate of finality and entry of judgment on a disqualification petition filed against the solon. 

The poll body division, in its ruling, dismissed the petition after the Comelec did not receive a motion for reconsideration (MR) questioning an earlier ruling that rejected an October 2024 petition filed by certain Franklin Tino on the grounds of material misrepresentation due to questions on Yap's citizenship.

No temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court (SC) was also issued during the five-day reglementary period of the decision. 

“The records show that the Petitioner failed to file a motion for reconsideration and there being no restraining order issued by the Supreme Court (SC) within five days from receipt of the Resolution that would preclude the aforementioned Resolution of this Commission (Second Division) from being final and executory,” the certificate of finality reads. 

“In view of the foregoing, the resolution of the Commission (Second Division) promulgated on 26 June 2025 is hereby declared immediately executory under the Comelec Rules of Procedure, and Comelec Resolution No. 11046,” it added. 

The Comelec division last week lifted the suspension of the proclamation of Yap following the dismissal of a disqualification petition against his candidacy.

Tino, in his petition, alleged that Yap committed material misrepresentation when he filed his certificate of candidacy for Benguet representative when he is not a natural-born Filipino citizen. He also accused Yap of falsifying his birth certificate and Philippine passport.

Yap has denied the accusations. —VAL, GMA Integrated News