Camille Naredo

Voters of the 2nd District of Antipolo, Rizal arrive early at their designated voting precincts to cast their ballots in the special election at San Jose National High School in Antipolo City on Saturday. The election was called to fill the congressional seat left vacant following the death of Representative Romeo Acop. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Antipolo

Maria Tan

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773476816741viber_image_2026-03-14_14-38-52-077.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Caption: Voters of the 2nd District of Antipolo, Rizal arrive early at their designated voting precincts to cast their ballots in the special election at San Jose National High School in Antipolo City on Saturday. The election was called to fill the congressional seat left vacant following the death of Representative Romeo Acop. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Voters of the 2nd District of Antipolo, Rizal arrive early at their designated voting precincts to cast their ballots in the special election at San Jose National High School in Antipolo City on Saturday. The election was called to fill the congressional seat left vacant following the death of Representative Romeo Acop. <em>Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>ANTIPOLO CITY — Candidates for the special election for representative of Antipolo&#x27;s 2nd legislative district have cast their votes.</p><p>After casting his vote, Attorney Irvin Paulo “Paui” Tapales spoke to reporters about his vision as he seeks a seat in the House of Representatives.</p><p>Tapales, a current City Councilor, said his candidacy focuses on ensuring equal access to government services for all residents of the district.</p><p>“Gusto nating maibigay ang oportunidad at serbisyo sa lahat.&quot; </p><p>Although this is his first time running for Congress, Tapales said his years in local government helped him better understand the needs of constituents on the ground.</p><p>In the race, he faces longtime political figure Philip Acop. Despite the competition, Tapales said their relationship remains professional, noting that they previously worked together in the city council.</p><p>“May pressure talaga, pero kung para ito sa kapakanan ng ikalawang distrito, handa tayong harapin iyon.”</p><p>Tapales expressed confidence in the electoral process, saying voters today are more informed when choosing their leaders.</p><p>“Naniniwala ako na marunong nang pumili ang mga botante ngayon at nagtitiwala ako sa proseso ng eleksyon.”</p><p>If elected, he plans to focus on policymaking and amending laws that would help local governments respond more effectively to community needs.</p><p>“Kung ang mga lokal na lider ang nasa unahan, handa akong maging katuwang nila sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng mga batas na makakatulong sa mga tao.”</p><p>He added that public service should always be guided by fairness and sincerity.</p><p>“Serbisyo para sa lahat, hindi para sa iilan.”</p><p>As the campaign continues, Tapales said he hopes voters will support a platform centered on inclusive governance and equal opportunities for residents of Antipolo’s 2nd District.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/3/14/special-election-for-antipolo-s-2nd-district-begins-0801">Special election for Antipolo’s 2nd District begins</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>ACOP</strong></div><p>Philip “Doc Bong” Acop also cast his vote during the special election, expressing confidence in the electoral process despite allegations raised against his candidacy.</p><p>“Maayos naman po, peaceful at very straightforward ang pagboto,” Acop said, describing the voting process as orderly.</p><p>The pediatrician-turned-politician recently faced allegations of election violations reportedly raised by Atty. Mark Tolentino. Acop denied knowing the complainant and said he is unaware of any formal case filed against him.</p><p>“Una sa lahat, hindi ko kilala si Atty. Mark Tolentino. Kung magsasampa man siya ng kaso, doon niya gawin sa tamang korte, hindi sa social media,” he said, stressing the importance of proper legal procedures.</p><p>According to Acop, the accusations only strengthened his determination to continue his campaign.</p><p>“Yung mga naninira sa atin, lalo lang pinatatag ang hangarin kong manalo sa eleksyong ito,” he said, adding that misinformation and personal attacks have no place in Antipolo.</p><p>Addressing criticisms about political family names, Acop emphasized that voters ultimately decide who deserves to lead.</p><p>“Bawat eleksyon may karapatan ang mamamayan na pumili ng bago,” he said, noting that public trust remains central to democracy.</p><p>Unlike his father, a lawyer and retired general, Acop said his background as a pediatrician shapes his governance priorities.</p><p>“Doktor po ako, isang pediatrician, kaya ang magiging pokus ng aming plataporma ay health at education. Mas nurturing ang paraan ng serbisyo publiko na gusto nating ibigay,” he explained.</p><p>Throughout the campaign, Acop said he personally met residents across the district, walking hundreds of kilometers to connect with voters and hear their concerns.</p><p>“Sa lahat ng nagbukas ng kanilang pinto at nakipagkamay sa akin, maraming salamat po. Hindi ko sasayangin ang inyong tiwala,” he said.</p><p>Despite the allegations and criticisms, Acop reiterated his commitment to pursue victory through lawful and ethical means, focusing on improving healthcare and education systems for the people of Antipolo City.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/3/11/comelec-monitoring-campaign-remarks-of-antipolo-candidates-for-special-polls-1455">&#x27;Dapat hindi discriminatory&#x27;: Comelec monitoring campaign remarks of Antipolo candidates for special polls</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/40OKlf5PC7s?si=s7sw4S0hhVoAqGug" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Candidates for the special election for representative of Antipolo's 2nd legislative district have cast their votes.</p>

Candidates for the special election for representative of Antipolo's 2nd legislative district have cast their votes.

Candidates cast votes in Antipolo special election

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Candidates cast votes in Antipolo special election

Maria Tan,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 14, 2026 04:28 PM PHT

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Antipolo City

Special election

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