Comelec lifts suspension of Respicio's proclamation

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(UPDATE) THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has lifted its suspension order for the proclamation of Vice Mayor-elect Jeryll Harold Respicio of Reyna Mercedes town in Isabela.

In a two-page order, dated June 2, 2025, the Comelec First Division, presided by Commissioner Aimee Ferolino with Commissioners Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda, Jr. and Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal as members, rescinded its May 12, 2025 order suspending the proclamation of Respicio until further orders from the commission.

"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 Division's 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.

In the same order, the Comelec First Division also 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 respondent as the winning candidate for the position of vice mayor.

On May 27, Respicio asked the Supreme Court to declare the Comelec directive null and void, claiming that it was "arbitrary" and lacked any legal or constitutional basis.

The high court has yet to act on Respicio's petition.

Respicio was among the 19 candidates whose proclamation, if they win, were ordered suspended by the Comelec until their disqualification cases are resolved.

The other candidates were Darwin Sia, candidate for councilor in the second district of Manila; Christian de Guzman Sia, candidate for congressman in Pasig City; James Ronald Macasero, candidate for councilor in Malabon City; Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro, candidate for congressman in Marikina's first district, all in Metro Manila.

For Luzon were Menandro Bessat Buenafe, candidate for councilor in Lagangilang, Abra; Christian Manuson Noveras, candidate for governor in Aurora; Christine Marie Manuson Noveras, candidate for vice governor in Aurora; Gerardo Angala Noveras, candidate for vice governor in Aurora; Isaias Angala Noveras Jr., candidate for provincial board member in Aurora; Matt Erwin Florido, candidate for congressman in Quezon's third district; Ronald Alarkon Rodriguez, candidate for governor in Camarines Sur; Philip Paul Fortuno, candidate for congressman in Camarines Sur's fifth district; and Ricardo Yanson, candidate for mayor in Cataingan, Masbate.

For Mindanao were Fatima Mersa Sali Salih, candidate for mayor in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi; Aquino Dabao Romato, candidate for mayor in Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur; Belshezzar Abubakar, candidate for mayor in Panglima Estino, Sulu; Mando Guimbangan Taha, candidate for mayor in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur; and Dani Taha Mando, candidate for councilor in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.