The Supreme Court upheld Susan Yap’s proclamation as Tarlac City mayor after ruling that the Commission on Elections gravely abused its discretion in canceling her certificate of candidacy over a residency issue.
In a decision promulgated on June 3, the high court said the evidence failed to prove that Yap, who also uses the surname Yap-Sulit, had abandoned her domicile in Tarlac or made a false statement in her candidacy papers.
The court cited her voter registration, government records, property interests, years of public service and continuing personal and community ties to the province.
It also reiterated that residence for election purposes refers to domicile and that temporary or intermittent absence does not automatically amount to abandonment.
The ruling voided the Comelec en banc resolution issued on Oct. 22, 2025, which canceled Yap’s candidacy and declared her ineligible to run.
The Supreme Court instead affirmed her eligibility and upheld her proclamation following her victory in the 2025 elections, saying the choice of Tarlac City voters should be respected.
Yap welcomed the decision and said it affirmed the mandate given to her by the electorate. She added that her administration would continue working to improve public services, local economic opportunities and residents’ welfare.
The case reached the Supreme Court after the Comelec en banc reversed an earlier division ruling that had dismissed the residency challenge. The tribunal later issued a status quo ante order on Nov. 4, 2025, allowing Yap to remain in office while the case was pending.
