Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. was formally proclaimed Tuesday by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as the duly elected member of the House of Representatives for the sixth district of Manila.
This was after the Comelec en banc denied the motion for reconsideration filed by rival Luis “Joey” Chua Uy and affirmed that the latter was never qualified to run for public office as he is not a natural-born Filipino citizen.
Following his proclamation, Abante expressed gratitude to the Comelec and called for unity and service in the face of challenges confronted by the thousands of families in the district.
“With this chapter behind us, we can now focus on what truly matters: the welfare of the people of the Sixth District of Manila,” said Abante.
“I have always believed that public service must rise above politics, and today, we recommit ourselves to serving our kababayan with humility, compassion, and integrity,” he added.
According to the legislator, “it is time to set aside partisanship for the sake of our people—to restore focus and work together to deliver the services, opportunities, and justice our constituents deserve.”
Abante said he will resume his duties in the 20th Congress determined to address the urgent needs of his constituents—from basic services to legislation that uplifts the vulnerable and strengthens local communities.
The legislator is also planning to follow through on his earlier campaigns against illegal gambling—online and offline.
A veteran lawmaker and longtime advocate for good governance and human rights, Abante previously served as chairperson of the House Committee on Human Rights in the 19th Congress and is known for his work championing senior citizens, anti-gambling reforms, and good governance.
In its June 30 resolution, the Comelec ordered the City of Manila’s Board of Canvassers to reconvene and proclaim Abante, the only qualified candidate, who received the highest number of valid votes in the 2025 elections.
On July 7, the Comelec issued the Certificate of Finality and Entry of Judgment, and directed the City Election Officer of the 6th District of Manila to serve the documents to the City Board of Canvassers of the said district in order to carry out the immediate proclamation of the third-term lawmaker.
