Yap formally proclaimed, calls for unity

In Photo: Benguet Congressman Eric Go Yap (3rd from left) has been officially proclaimed today, July 2, 2025, by the Provincial Board of Canvassers, together with Atty. Vanessa Roncal – chaired of the Commission on Elections and Benguet Prosecutor Benedict Pataras – Vice chair. (contributed photo)

Finally, after a few weeks of waiting, Congressman Eric Go Yap was formally proclaimed by the Benguet Provincial Board of Canvassers on Wednesday afternoon, July 2, at the Comelec office in Baguio City.

Members of the Provincial Board of Canvassers, chaired by lawyer Vanessa Roncal of the Commission and Elections – Cordillera and Benguet prosecutor Benedict Pataras as vice chair, were earlier asked to proclaim Yap as the winning candidate for the lone district of the province in the House of Representatives.

After garnering more than 144,000 votes during the May 12 national and local elections, Yap’s proclamation was put on hold after Franklin Tino, a resident of Benguet, filed for the cancellation of the certificate of candidacy of Yap on the grounds of material representation, declaring that he is a natural-born Filipino citizen.

Comelec’s Second Division, however, cited that the petitioner has utterly failed to present a single piece of documentary, testimonial, or circumstantial evidence to support claims against Yap.

In its decision, it added the glaring omission, not only renders the petition fatally defective, but also betrays troubling lack of diligence and candor in invoking the process.  

“On July 2, 2025, the certificate of finality and entry of judgment pertaining to the said resolution was received by the provincial board of canvassers of Benguet, thereby rendering the June 26, 2025 resolution immediately executory,” said a portion of the order of the Comelec read by Pataras.

With his proclamation, Yap meanwhile said he can now officially function as the province’ representative and will immediately get back to work.

“Continue to work para makakuha ulit ng mga pondo na madaala dito sa probinsya. But then, Masaya ako, tapos na ang mga isyu, tapos na ang mga kaso and I hope sana matigil na. Magtulungan na lang tayo para sa lalawigan ng Benguet,” said Yap.

The solon also sought the help of all stakeholders in the province, including his critics, to improve the quality of living in the province. 

“Tulungan n’yo ako, pagandahin ang probinsya ng Benguet dahil probinsya nating lahat ito. Magtutulong tulong tayong lahat,” added the solon. ###