Reina Mercedes: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division has lifted the suspension on the proclamation of the winning vice mayoral candidate, Jeryll Harold Paz Respicio, in Reina Mercedes, Isabela.

According to Philippines News Agency, the First Division issued a two-page resolution directing the Municipal Board of Canvassers (MBOC) to reconvene and proclaim Respicio as the winner in the May 12 polls. The ruling, promulgated on Monday, stated, “The Order of the Commission (First Division) dated 12 May 2025, insofar as the Respondent Jeryll Harold Paz Respicio is concerned, is hereby lifted, effective immediately.” The MBOC is instructed to reconvene within five days to proceed with the proclamation of Respicio as the vice mayor of Reina Mercedes.

Respicio’s proclamation was initially suspended due to a pending petition filed against him by the Commission’s Task Force Katotohanan, Katapatan, at Katarungan (KKK). In response, Respicio sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court against the suspension.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia clarified that the petition filed by Respicio with the Supreme Court is unrelated to the First Division’s order, as no TRO was issued. “In the first place, the respondent did not secure any TRO. This decision is not related to the case he filed before the SC,” Garcia stated. He emphasized that the ruling demonstrates Comelec’s impartiality in handling pending cases.

Furthermore, the Comelec has filed cyberlibel charges against Respicio with the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office, stemming from videos he posted online questioning the capabilities of automated counting machines used in the May 12 elections.