Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines - Roberto Uy Jr. has officially assumed his role as the representative of the First District of Zamboanga del Norte. The oath-taking ceremony, led by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, occurred during Monday's plenary session following the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) proclamation of Uy as the 2022 congressional race winner in the district. This event comes in adherence to the Supreme Court's ruling, which confirmed Uy as the legitimate victor of the May 2022 elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, the proclamation represents the trust of the people of Zamboanga del Norte's 1st District and their expectations for dedicated service. He expressed his commitment to revitalizing the province and addressing community challenges. The controversy surrounding Uy's election victory originated from the Provincial Board of Canvassers' (PBOC) initial declaration of Romeo Jalosjos Jr. as the winner. This declaration was based on the inclusion of votes for Frederico Jalosjos, deemed a nuisance candidate, in Romeo Jalosjos' tally. On election day, the vote count stood with Uy receiving 69,591 votes, R. Jalosjos 69,109 votes, F. Jalosjos 5,424 votes, and another candidate Richard Amazon 288 votes. The Supreme Court, in its August 8 ruling, found that Comelec gravely abused its discretion in suspending Uy's proclamation, dismissing allegations that F. Jalosjos was a nuisance candidate.
The plenary session also witnessed the oath-taking of Isabela Representative Antonio Albano and Lanao del Sur Representative Yasser Alonto Balindong as new House deputy speakers. They replaced former deputy speakers Isidro Ungab of Davao City and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Pampanga following the adoption of House Resolution 1414. This resolution aimed to uphold the House's integrity and honor while expressing support for Speaker Romualdez's leadership. The replacements were initiated after Arroyo and Ungab did not sign the resolution, as noted by Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe.
Balindong emphasized his dedication to maintaining the chamber's honor and integrity, affirming support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Speaker Romualdez. Albano echoed these sentiments, expressing his commitment to serve the House and aligning with former President Arroyo's support for Speaker Romualdez's leadership. Albano called for unity and hard work within the legislative body to foster national development through effective legislation.