The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has officially declared Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. as the representative for the 6th District of Manila, following the annulment of Luis “Joey” Chua Uy’s proclamation by the electoral body due to issues regarding his citizenship.
In a ruling issued by the poll body, the Comelec division approved the petition that challenged Uy’s qualifications, citing concerns related to his citizenship.
In a 22-page ruling, the Comelec said Uy was considered as a non-candidate and his certificate of candidacy was void ab initio.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia however said Abante Jr. cannot be proclaimed yet as the winner since the decision of the Commission on Elections Second Division to void the proclamation of his rival is not yet final and executory.
“What you should always look at is when the Comelec issues a certificate of finality and entry of judgment. These certify that the decision of the Comelec is final and executory,” Garcia told reporters in an online interview.
Meanwhile, Abante said the Comelec decision “is a victory not just for me and the voters of Manila’s sixth district—but for the Constitution, and the Rule of Law.”
Abante emphasized: “The Constitution is clear—only natural-born Filipino citizens are qualified to serve in Congress. The Comelec ruling reaffirms this fundamental requirement and protects the integrity of our democratic institutions.”
He also stressed the broader implications of the decision: “This case sets an important precedent. It reminds us that those seeking public office must be held to the highest standards of eligibility and truthfulness. Our people deserve leaders whose allegiance to the country is beyond question, and whose qualifications are beyond doubt.”
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Abante wins fresh mandate for 20th Congress—Comelec”
