NO MERIT OF THE CASE FILED, SAYS RE-ELECTED REP. ERIC YAP

May 17, 2025 Headlines

Yap hints support amending People’s Small-Scale Mining Act

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

Re -elected Representative Eric Yap said he respect the order of the Comelec even as he strongly claimed the case filed against him has no merit. Yap won by a landslide victory with 144,093 votes but his proclamation was suspended by COMELEC 2nd Division. He crushed his closest rival, Ericson Felipe Tagel who got 62,371 votes. Tagel also has pending case for alleged violation of election laws. Yap said the case lodged against him regarding his citizenship has been resolved when he first ran for office in 2022 after being appointed legislative caretaker. “Ang mahalaga, nanalo tayo… There’s nothing to worry about,” Yap said .

Political pundits are not discounting that a special election maybe held in Benguet for the selection of a new congressman ,once the
Comelec rules against Yap and Tagel. Amid ‘political challenges,’ Yap confidently expressed to sustain his legislative works, hinting to support in amending the People’s Mining Law, known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7076). Yap whose efforts and supported by his fellow congressmen and senators, was instrumental in allocating billions worth of worth of completed as well as on going projects in the areas of infrastructure roads,bridges, school, classrooms and also in social/medical services .

Yap together with Gov Melchor Diclas ,paved the way in the development of the Benguet Sports Complex complete with modern facilities,
vehicles in transporting patients – ambulances , and countless medical assistance, among others. Asked about his legislative agenda if proclaimed, Yap cited three key priorities and these are : 1.Youth empowerment – “Mailagay natin sila sa tamang landas… para makagraduate at makahanap ng trabaho.”; 2. Health services – “Ituloy-tuloy natin ang pagpapagamot sa may sakit.” ; and 3. Infrastructure development – “Matapos natin ang Benguet Convention Center, at hopefully yung Pilando Bridge.”

Primo Agatep/ABN