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MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has lifted its suspension order against the proclamation of Reyna Mercedes, Isabela vice mayor-elect Jeryll Harold Respicio.
In a two-page order dated June 2, 2025, the Comelec's First Division headed by Commissioner Aimee Ferolino with Commissioners Ernesto Ferdinand P. Maceda, Jr. and Maria Norina S. Tangaro-Casingal as members, rescinded its May 12, 2025 order suspending the proclamation of Respicio.
"After due deliberation and in consonance with the thrust of the government to deliver basic and vital services but without prejudice to the resolution of this matter on the merits, the Order of the Commission (First Division) dated 12 May 2025, insofar as the respondent Jeryll Harod Paz Respicio is concerned, is hereby LIFTED, effective immediately," the order read.
The commission filed the case following Respicio's posting of videos on Facebook, where he claimed he could manipulate the results of the election through a supposed "backroom program" capable of altering vote counts.
The Comelec accused Respicio of violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act, for allegedly publishing false information that could incite panic or disrupt public order.
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In the same order, the Comelec First Division directed the Municipal Board of Canvassers of Reina Mercedes to reconvene within five days from receipt of its order for the purpose of proceeding with the proclamation of Respicio.
On May 27, Respicio asked the Supreme Court to declare the Comelec directive null and void, claiming that it was arbitrary and lacked legal or constitutional basis.
The High Court has yet to act on his petition.
