BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO
A sixth disqualification case has been filed against Benguet Representative Eric G. Yap, raising more questions about his citizenship as the legal battle intensifies.
The latest complaint, lodged on May 27 at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), was filed by Rufino Soriano and Agustina Igualdo Peter from Buguias, Benguet.
The filing follows a similar case submitted on May 24 by nine other petitioners from various towns in the province.
The earlier disqualification case was filed by Zacarias Juan Depolio of Tomay, La Trinidad; Loreto Buy-an and Dalmacio Sissi-it of Mankayan; Eusebio Fernandez and Pedro Cosente of Bakun; Jovito Palayen from Tawang, La Trinidad; Freddie Punasen of Itogon; Marriano Tininggal of Buyagan, La Trinidad; and Victor Belino of Buguias.
In response, Congressman Yap issued a statement via his official Facebook page, saying he plans to file counter-charges against the petitioners and those he believes are behind the legal actions.
Yap added that he is prepared to face the complaints filed with the COMELEC en banc.
“We will face this head-on. We’re not afraid to answer these issues,” he wrote.
It can be recalled that Yap had already received three previous disqualification cases earlier this month, on May 13, 20, and 23, which led to the suspension of his official proclamation.
