Comelec Confirms Manila 6th District Victory for Abante
MANILA, Philippines — The recent Commission on Elections (Comelec) ruling affirming Bievenido “Benny” Abante Jr. as the duly-elected representative of Manila’s 6th District in the 2025 midterm elections marks a significant moment for the rule of law. Abante expressed his gratitude on Thursday, emphasizing that this decision underscores the importance of constitutional mandates in Philippine politics.
The Comelec 2nd Division annulled the proclamation of Abante’s opponent, Joel Chua Uy, citing material misrepresentation. This ruling means votes cast for Uy are now considered stray votes. Abante filed the petition challenging Uy’s eligibility, arguing that Uy is not a natural-born Filipino citizen, which disqualifies him from congressional candidacy under the 1987 Constitution. Although the division ruled in Abante’s favor, the case will still undergo review by the Comelec en banc.
Constitutional Mandates and Election Integrity
“This 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 said. He stressed that the Constitution clearly requires that only natural-born Filipino citizens can serve in Congress. The Comelec’s decision reaffirms this essential qualification, safeguarding the integrity of democratic institutions.
Abante highlighted how this decision sets an important precedent, ensuring that only individuals who meet constitutional citizenship requirements can hold key public offices. Article VI, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution mandates that candidates for the House must be natural-born citizens, at least 25 years old on election day, able to read and write, registered voters in their district, and residents there for at least one year prior to the election.
Setting an Important Precedent for Public Office
“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,” Abante explained.
He underscored that this matter transcends personal rivalry: “This is not about personalities—this is about the rule of law. The Constitution must prevail. Our democracy depends on it.”
Background of the Election Dispute
In the recent election, Abante initially lost to Uy in a close race, with Uy receiving 64,746 votes and Abante garnering 63,358 votes. However, Abante challenged Uy’s citizenship status, noting that Uy was born to a Chinese father who became a naturalized Filipino when Uy was five years old, and a Filipina mother. The Comelec 2nd Division concluded that Uy is a naturalized citizen, not a natural-born citizen, and therefore ineligible to run for Congress.
The division’s decision stated, “Respondent’s claim, including his declaration under oath in his certificate of candidacy that he is a natural-born Filipino citizen, is incorrect. This constitutes material misrepresentation under Section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code.” Consequently, the division ruled that Uy was not qualified to run or hold the congressional seat, rendering his proclamation unconstitutional.
Abante’s victory reinforces the Constitution’s provisions and the necessity of truthful declarations in candidacy. This case serves as a reminder that election laws and citizenship rules must be strictly enforced to protect democratic processes.
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