THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has declared Benny Abante as the duly elected representative of Manila’s 6th District in the 2025 midterm elections, following the disqualification of rival candidate Joel Uy.
The division annulled Uy’s certificate of candidacy (COC), effectively invalidating his proclamation as the district’s winner.
Abante, a veteran lawmaker and incumbent representative at the time of the elections, narrowly lost to Uy by a margin of just over 1,300 votes—garnering 63,358 votes to Uy’s 64,746.
However, with Uy’s candidacy now voided, Comelec ruled in favor of Abante as the legitimate winner.
Despite the ruling, the decision of the Second Division is not yet final and may still be appealed.
The case has drawn public interest, particularly given Abante’s long tenure and influence in Manila politics.
The outcome could affect House dynamics as lawmakers settle into the new congressional term.
