Who are the candidates in Antipolo’s 2nd District special election?

Voters in eight barangays in Antipolo will head to the polls on Saturday, March 14, to choose their next district representative.

The winner of the special election will fill the seat vacated by the late congressman Romeo Acop, who passed away in December last year. 

Six candidates are in the running. Here’s what to know about the hopefuls in the congressional race:

Philip Conrad ‘Dok Bong’ Acop

Philip Acop, considered the election frontrunner, seeks to continue his family’s grip on power in the district. 

“We will continue the fight,” he said during his late father’s memorial service at the House in December. 

His father was representative of the district from 2010 to 2019 and again from 2022 until his death last year. Philip’s mother, the late Dr. Resurreccion “Cion” Acop, held the position from 2019 until her death due to COVID-19 in 2021.

Known in Antipolo as “Dok Bong,” the younger Acop is a pediatrician and a former three-term city councilor who topped his races in 2016 and 2019. 

His portfolio includes chairmanship of the city council committees on health and social services, senior citizens, PWDs, veterans affairs, and agriculture.  

He is running with the slogan “Alagang Acop, Alagang Angkop,” centering his campaign on health, education, agriculture, and livelihood talking points.  

All of the candidates are running independently except for Acop, who is being carried by the National Unity Party, the second-largest voting bloc in the House of Representatives.

Acop is facing a disqualification complaint before the Commission on Elections for alleged vote-buying, but the poll body said the case will still “undergo thorough review and due process.”

Reden ‘Red’ Llaga

Red Llaga is no stranger to vying for elective posts, but he has yet to see victory after failed bids for mayor and councilor in Antipolo. In his last attempt in the 2025 elections, he lost by a blowout to incumbent Mayor Jun Ynares.

What’s slightly different this time is Llaga’s more pronounced support from some smaller figures in the Duterte camp, who have publicly endorsed his candidacy. They include PDP deputy spokesperson Ferdinand Topacio and pediatrician Richard Mata. 

It is not surprising why some Duterte allies would have a horse in the race. The late Acop was a prominent figure of the House quad committee, which investigated the bloody drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte. 

Despite the lack of elective government experience, Llaga has outlined an extensive platform centered on good governance. He promised to prioritize anti-corruption measures, improve Antipolo’s healthcare, and solve the problem on traffic congestion.

He also expresses support for an anti-political dynasty measure. 

Rizal province is home to the Ynares family, one of the country’s most enduring dynasties. The clan has ruled the capitol for more than three decades. 

Irvin Paulo ‘Paui’ Tapales

Born and raised in Antipolo, Paui Tapales is an incumbent city councilor in the 2nd District. His legislative resume includes chairmanship of the committees on finance, legal matters, and good governance and public accountability. 

Among his campaign slogans is “Sa abogado, sigurado,” highlighting his recent achievement of passing the 2025 bar exams after nine years of studying and an unsuccessful first attempt in 2013. 

Tapales said he considered his failure more than a decade ago as a blessing because it led him to public service. 

Running as a first-time congressional candidate, Tapales vows to improve access to government services in Antipolo. His priorities also include housing security, good governance, and educational support programs such as scholarships and financial aid, particularly for returning college students.

Nathaniel ‘Atty. Nat’ Lobigas

Nathaniel Lobigas, nicknamed “Atty. Nat,” is an independent candidate. A lawyer for 30 years, he was an administrative law judge at the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1997 to 2000.

His platform includes land and home security, skills training for the youth, increased universal pension, protection of farmers, and workers’ rights. 

Maria Trinidad ‘Baby’ Galang Cafirma

Baby Cafirma is an entrepreneur, mother, and former vice president of the Antipolo chapter of ACT-PSG (Against Crime and Terrorism–Philippine Support Group). 

She is an animal welfare advocate who works as an auditor at a shelter for rescued animals. 

“As an auditor, I ensure that funds are used properly, transparently, and responsibly for the welfare of animals that have no voice,” Cafirma said. 

“I do not come from a political dynasty. I come from work, service, and genuine concern,” she added. 

This is her first foray into politics.

Dandin ‘Dan’ Infante

Dan Infante, an independent candidate, is an HR consultant with an undergraduate degree in sociology and a master’s degree in business administration from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. 

He says his campaign is anchored on clean politics, transparent governance, and people-first leadership.

If elected, he aims to author laws on wage equity, reduction of value-added tax, and improved mental health and well-being of constituents. – Jia Erikah Fajardo/Rappler.com

Jia Erikah Fajardo is a journalism student at Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila and the Features Editor of The LANCE, the official student publication of her institution. She is currently an intern at Rappler’s Nation Unit.