Dennis Gasgonia

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Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap-Sulit is &quot;relieved&quot; after the Supreme Court issued a status quo ante order in her favor that effectively paused the the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc resolution that disqualified her from office over alleged residency issues.The Court&#x27;s move reaffirms Yap-Sulit’s position as the city&#x27;s duly elected mayor while her petition remains pending before the Court.“I’m very relieved and happy with the decision of the Supreme Court to grant us a status quo ante order because now this gives us relief… it rests our people from the anxieties caused by the reversal of the Comelec decision these past two weeks,” Yap-Sulit told ANC. <div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/11/4/sc-issues-status-quo-ante-order-on-comelec-decision-disqualifying-tarlac-mayor-1710">SC issues status quo ante order on Comelec decision disqualifying Tarlac mayor</a></div>The Comelec en banc had earlier reversed a ruling by its Second Division, which initially dismissed the disqualification case against Yap-Sulit. The reversal triggered confusion and concern among constituents, prompting Yap-Sulit to elevate the matter to the Supreme Court through a petition for certiorari.In her defense, Yap-Sulit presented extensive documentation to prove her residency in Barangay Tibag, Tarlac City. “We’ve presented everything; pictures of my house… I think what is sad and unfortunate is that no one from Comelec or any of the parties came or even visited my residence. I am just here. No one came to do it and I’ve been voting in this barangay for the past four elections. I’ve submitted all my cedula, all my IDs that are reflecting the same address and residency… in fact, the previous barangay officials have vouched that I live here.”Addressing criticisms that her home resembled a warehouse, Yap-Sulit clarified: “We live simply, so that’s why they think that it looks like a warehouse… the area was part of a business, but our residence is nasa taas po.&quot;She also questioned the motives behind the petition filed against her, pointing to political maneuvering. “The petitioner who filed in Comelec, stating that I do not live here is a barangay captain, who himself is not from this barangay, but obviously is not aligned with me. So we see the plot there.”When asked if she believed the case was politically motivated, she responded firmly, “Yes, it is.”<div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/10/28/comelec-en-banc-susan-yap-ineligible-to-be-elected-as-tarlac-mayor-1657">Comelec en banc: Susan Yap &#x27;ineligible’ to be elected as Tarlac mayor </a> </div>Yap-Sulit said she transferred to the property in 2014 and has owned it since 2004. While she occasionally stays in Manila for work, she emphasized her long-standing ties to the community.Despite the legal battle, Yap-Sulit maintained that governance in Tarlac City remained uninterrupted. “No, because even though the Comelec decision came out, I’ve instructed all my employees that it will be ‘business as usual’. I continued to work until yesterday. In fact, the status quo ante order just affirms my position as mayor. There have been some press releases stating that I have been reinstated, and I want to correct that. I have not been reinstated. It just confirms that I am still mayor, and never was removed. I never received any order from any agency removing me from office.” On concerns about business confidence amid the controversy, she expressed optimism. “I believe there’s more confidence in me being at the helm of Tarlac City.”As the legal proceedings continue, Yap-Sulit remains hopeful, saying: “Yes, I am very hopeful… and I’m very thankful to the Supreme Court. They’ve seen the merits of my case to issue this status quo ante order.”

The Supreme Court has issued a status quo ante order in favor of Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap-Sulit, effectively pausing the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc resolution that disqualified her from office over alleged residency issues.

The Supreme Court has issued a status quo ante order in favor of Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap-Sulit, effectively pausing the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc resolution that disqualified her from office over alleged residency issues.

Yap-Sulit 'relieved' after SC decision on Comelec resolution

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Yap-Sulit 'relieved' after SC decision on Comelec resolution

Carlos Trazo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Nov 06, 2025 12:29 AM PHT

Read More:

Susan Yap-Sulit

Supreme Court

Status Quo Ante Order

Comelec

disqualification

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