New Antipolo lawmaker elected

PHILIP CONRAD M. ACOP has been proclaimed as the new representative of the 2^nd district of Antipolo City, following a decisive win in the special election held Saturday.

The National Unity Party candidate secured the seat previously held by his father, the late Romeo M. Acop, maintaining the family’s decade-long hold on the congressional post.

Data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed Mr. Acop garnered 60,051 votes, representing approximately 71.9% of the total valid ballots cast.

His closest contender, independent candidate Reden Llaga, trailed with 12,054 votes, while another independent, Irvin Paulo Tapales, followed with 10,080 votes.

Other contenders in the six-way race — Nathaniel A. Lobigas, Maria Trinidad Galang Cafirma, and Dandin Infante — each received less than 1% of the vote.

The special election was called to fill the vacancy left by the elder Mr. Acop, who passed away last December.

Despite the landslide margin, voter turnout was notably low at 33.4%, falling short of the Comelec’s 35% minimum target and well below the 72.6% turnout recorded during the 2025 midterm elections.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the special poll proceedings were generally peaceful and orderly, noting that all precincts functioned without technical failure.

The canvassing process ended early on Sunday, with the City Board of Canvassers proclaiming Mr. Acop at around 3 a.m. The representative-elect, a pediatrician and former city councilor, will serve the remainder of the term ending in June 2028. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking