Abante proclaimed Manila sixth district representative

MANILA, Philippines — The City Board of Canvassers (BOC) of Manila formally proclaimed yesterday Bienvenido Abante as the duly elected representative of the city’s 6th District.

Based on the canvassed votes cast in 242 clustered precincts in the May midterm elections, Abante garnered 63,358 votes.

His opponent, Luis Uy, received the highest number of votes, but his candidacy has been nullified for being a naturalized Filipino.

With no other petition pending before the Commission on Elections, the BOC proceeded with the proclamation of Abante. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the BOC merely performed its duty in proclaiming Abante since he was the only qualified candidate in the congressional race in Manila’s 6th District.

Garcia said the Supreme Court allowed the proclamation of Abante since the SC did not issue a temporary restraining order on the petition filed by Uy.

With his return to Congress now formalized, Abante vowed to focus on measures promoting accountability, public health care and social welfare. — Jose Rodel Clapano