MANILA — With no restraining order from the Supreme Court, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially declared its June 30 ruling final and executor — clearing the legal path for the proclamation of Benny Abante as the duly-elected Representative of Manila’s 6th District in the May 2025 midterm elections.
On Monday, the Comelec en banc issued a certificate of finality and entry of judgment on the disqualification of Abante’s opponent, Joey Chua, whose candidacy was voided after his certificate of candidacy (COC) was found invalid.
“The records show that no restraining order has been issued by the SC within five days from receipt of the parties of the Resolution that would preclude the June 30, 2025 resolution of this Commission (En Banc) from being final and executory,” the certificate of finality stated.
“Now therefore, in view of the foregoing, the Resolution of the Commission (En Banc) promulgated on 30 June 2025 is hereby declared immediately executory in accordance with the Comelec Rules of Procedure,” it added.
Comelec has since directed the Manila City Board of Canvassers to reconvene and officially proclaim Abante as the winner.
Last week, the Comelec en banc upheld its earlier decision invalidating Chua’s candidacy and recognizing Abante’s victory in the May 12 elections.
Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia explained that before the proclamation, the local poll body must first issue a notice of meeting for the board of canvassers (BOC), followed by a separate notice to proclaim the winner./PN
