MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has ruled in favor of Representative Benny Abante, nullifying the proclamation of rival candidate Luis “Joey” Chua Uy due to Uy’s failure to meet the constitutional requirement of being a natural-born Filipino citizen.

In a 22-page decision dated June 18, the Comelec upheld Abante’s petition, arguing that Uy was ineligible to run for public office as his citizenship was acquired through naturalization, not by birth.

Comelec cited the Philippine Constitution’s Article VI, Section 6, which mandates that members of the House of Representatives must be natural-born citizens—defined as those who are “citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.”

“Respondent’s acquisition of citizenship occurred only after the naturalization of his father,” the ruling stated. Comelec noted that Uy’s father was a foreign national at the time of his birth, and his subsequent citizenship was conferred through legal procedures, not by lineage.

False Declaration in Candidacy Papers

The poll body also highlighted Uy’s filing of a certificate of candidacy (COC) wherein he claimed to be a natural-born Filipino citizen—a declaration Comelec said constituted “material misrepresentation.”

“He is at most a naturalized citizen, not a natural-born one,” the ruling concluded. As a result, Uy’s votes were considered stray, leading to the annulment of his proclamation.

The Bureau of Immigration’s issuance of an Identification Certificate to Uy was also taken as further evidence against his claim, since such documentation is not required for natural-born citizens.

Abante Declared Winner—But Not Yet Seated

Following the disqualification, Comelec declared Abante the only remaining qualified candidate who received the highest number of votes in Manila’s 6th District. He is now set to represent the district in the House of Representatives for the 20th Congress.

“Respondent’s proclamation should thus be annulled leaving Petitioner the only qualified candidate,” the poll body ruled.

However, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia clarified that Abante cannot yet assume the seat until the ruling becomes final and executory.

Abante Welcomes Ruling as “Victory for Constitution, Rule of Law”

In a statement, Abante welcomed the ruling, calling it a win for democratic 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,” he said. “It reminds us that those seeking public office must be held to the highest standards of eligibility and truthfulness.”

Abante emphasized the importance of ensuring that elected officials possess unquestionable allegiance and unquestioned qualifications.

Uy, who ran under Aksyon Demokratiko, won by a narrow margin in the 2025 midterm elections, garnering over 64,000 votes against Abante’s 63,000.

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