By Pigeon Lobien The convenors of the peace rally last week submitted a copy of their manifesto signed by 36,025 Benguet voters to proclaim Rep. Eric Yap as winner of the May 12 elections with the Commission on Elections – Cordillera Wednesday, June 4, prior they submit the same with the national office tomorrow. “It is a call to proclaim Cong. Yap as congressman to assure our province mates that we have a duly elected congressman,” said lead convenor Gary Abela carrying the 9-inch duplicate of the manifesto signed by resident voters from the 13 municipalities before submitting same with the Comelec -Cordilkera Wednesday afternoon. The signatures were gathered in a week-long campaign that started with a full pack rally at the La Trinidad parking lot behind the municipal hall last May 28. “It was made by then, done by them asking the Comelec to proclaim Yap,” said lawyer Francis Ray Camtugan, representing the convenors. Camtugan said that the manifesto is to help fast track the resolution of the seven cases of disqualification against Yap who defeated Vice Gov Ericson Felipe by more than 80,000 vites. “We will submit it (original) tomorrow with the national Comelec,” he added. Camtugan said that it will be the “comments be part of the records to resolve (the seven) cases. It is their sentiment (they want) to be part of the records,” Camtugan added. Some seven cases of disqualification had been filed against Yap including issues on citizenship and vote buying, among others. Camtugan pleaded with those behind the cases to accept the result of the election where Yap garnered 144,093 votes against the 62,371 of Felipe.  

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Reaffirming its dedication to health promotion and the welfare of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel and their families, the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO CAR) actively participated in the simultaneous conduct of the Love and Blessings (LAB) Virus Program and Medical Mission held on June 4, 2025. This initiative was spearheaded by the PNP Officers’ Ladies Club (OLC) in partnership with the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division and the Regional Medical and Dental Unit from the different Police Provincial Offices of the PNP. At Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Banquet, PBGen.Rogelio Raymundo,Jr., Deputy Regional Director for Administration, together with Mrs. Grace A. Peredo, Adviser of the PRO CAR OLC, led the ceremonial turnover of grocery packs and financial assistance to 19 selected beneficiaries. This act highlights the PNP’s unwavering commitment to supporting the welfare of its personnel and their dependents. In addition, a medical outreach activity benefited 165 individuals, including PRO CAR personnel and civilian residents. Services rendered included medical and dental consultations, circumcision, free medicines and vitamins, and giveaways from partner organizations held at the Camp Bado Dangwa Hospital. To further promote camaraderie and mental resilience, a group dynamics session focused on Mental Calisthenics was also held at the PRO CAR multi-purpose center. Fifty personnel took part in interactive exercises aimed at enhancing teamwork and emotional well-being. The PNP OLC, through its LAB Virus Program and Medical Mission, continues to extend joy, compassion, and vital support to those in need. This meaningful initiative reflects the Foundation’s steadfast commitment to public service, community care, and the overall promotion of health and wellness.      

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Benguet Representative Eric Go Yap is mulling to file charges against those involved in the multi – disqualification charges filed before the Commission on Election against him. To date, seven disqualification cases have been filed against Yap, the latest which was forwarded as of this writing, from petitioners Cresencio Akia, Danny S. Montes, Patricio A. Ananayo, Demetrio A. Martin, Ceasar D. Sotelo, Luis B. Santiago, Bronson B. Sacpa, Valentin C. Leo, Ramos S. Guivac, Eleazar B. Narciso, Marcial E. Flores, Leonero C. Joseph, and Janielyn A. Takingan. “Another disqualification case was filed against me today, to date, it’s the seventh already. Again, the petition questions my citizenship but with no proof to back up their claims,” Yap said. Despite garnering a lopsided 144,093 votes, Yap’s proclamation was put on hold earlier following an order from Comelec due to a disqualification case filed before the May 12 election. “As mentioned previously, the petitioners will face serious charges. Our lawyers are drafting the charges already against every single one of them. Masyadong malaking damage na yung ginagawa nila and nararapat lang siguro na may pananagutan din sila sa ginagawa nila because this is no longer ethical and professional, ito po ay mockery na, pambababoy na sa proseso. It’s important to note na itong mga kaso po ay filed after the election, after malaman na kung sino ang pinili ng mga tao,” added Yap. Yesterday, May 27, Yap also received the sixth disqualification case filed be petitioners Rufino Soriano III and Agustina Igualdo Peter, both residents of Buguias, Benguet, also questioning the citizenship of the re-elected solon. ” We know who’s behind all these but we will deal with that later. Kailangan lang muna sagutin ang mga ito otherwise, we risk not having a sitting Benguet Representative come July 1st. We will hurdle these and the petitioners will have their day in the court after,” Yap said. (PR)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) was conferred the Gold Gender and Development (GAD) Seal for FY 2023 alongside four other Regional Offices during the Department’s GAD Seal Recognition Rites held at Sequoia Hotel in this city, on May 7, 2025. This recognition is the highest level under the DILG’s GAD Seal Certification Program. It is conferred to DILG Regional Offices that have consistently upheld the principles of Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women by integrating gender and development in their systems, policies, operations, and service delivery. The GAD Seal Certification Program, initiated by DILG Region XII and adopted through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-070, aims to institutionalize gender mainstreaming within the Department. The revised guidelines established uniform assessment indicators and introduced a three-tiered recognition system—Gold, Silver, and Bronze—corresponding to scores of 91–100 points, 81–90 points, and 70–80 points, respectively. The DILG-CAR earned the Gold Seal by institutionalizing a functional GAD Focal Point System (GFDS) and the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), establishing a GAD Database and GAD corner, conducting GAD-related trainings, providing GAD-related technical assistance to the local government units and other stakeholders, utilizing the 5% GAD budget, establishing necessary facilities and implementing various GAD-related initiatives. DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose said that this seal exemplifies the Regional Office’s unwavering commitment to realizing GAD Plans and Budgets and translating these into tangible accomplishments. “This recognition shows that our commitment to gender and development is not just in documents or plans, but rather these are seen and felt as a hallmark of our organizational culture,” she said. This is the second GAD Seal for the DILG-CAR since 2022, and RD San Jose vowed to continue championing gender-responsive governance and inclusive public service in all DILG Field Operating Units and local government units across the region. “We will continue to lead by example in promoting local governments that are inclusive, respectful, and responsive to the needs of our communities,” RD San Jose said

  LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Landslide victory was achieved by the relectionist candidates of Benguet province. In the initial results of the polls, Congressman Eric Yap, with 144,093 votes, is miles ahead of his opponent Tagel Felipe, with 62,371 votes. Yap’s groups that follow him are the re-election of Governor Melchor Diclas, with 116,212 votes, while in the Vice Governorship, No.1 Board Member Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes won, with 116,169 votes. In District 1 of Benguet, Sander Fianza, Johannes Amuasen, Chairmaine Molintas, Thomas Wales, Myrna Nazarro, Jani Galutan, Jhonar Rebutazo and Lison Latawan, Jr. are leading. In District 2 are Ruben Tinda-an, Romeo Salda, Manny Fermin, Armando Lauro, Neptali Camsol, Frenzel Ayong, Jim Botiwey and Joel Tingbaoen. Winners of 13 Municipality In the capital town of La Trinidad, Roderick Awingan won Mayor, Vice Mayor Guiller Galwan, while in Sangguniang Bayan members were Nestor Fongwan, Jr.; Ted Walang, Belmer Elis, Jayson Dangwa, Bartolome Baldas, Jr., Horacio Ramos, Jr., Boyet Tereng and Tyrone Diaz. In Sablan, the Mayor was Alfredo Dacumos, Jr., Vce Mayor Arthur Balo, while the Councilors were Leo Lawana, Andoy Ome, Romeo Amboy, Cornelio Almagen, Johnny Cutay, Ireneo Baldo, Harold Busoy and Arthur de Leon. In Mankayan, retired General Cesar Pasiwen won as Mayor; Vice Mayor Aldrin Camiling, while the Councilors are Jeston Balong-angey, Ambino Padawi, Dick Tip-ac, Alexander Dapiawen, Reynal Manuit, Camilo Munoz, Pacito Donato and Lloyd Luspian. In Buguias, Mayor Julius Amos, Vice Mayor Ronald Kimakim and Councilors Manuel Yans, Melchor Guesey, Jerahmee Lasegan, Jose Bayas, Jr., Glenn Bigo, Federico Aquino, Vicente Kitongan and Wilnard Tolida won. Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan retained her seat in the town of Tuba, while Vice Mayor Maria Carantes. Councilors are Eugene Gabino, Gary Behis, William Abance, Reachelle Takinan, Nestor Baban, Rebecca Apil, Jerome Palaoag and Arnulfo Milo. In Itogon, Mayor Bernard Waclin, Vice Mayor Dax Godio, while the Councilors are Cesar Artiga, Norberto Pacio, Clint Galutan, Albert Carantes, Lucky Busacau, Albino Diego, Alejando Palangdan and Noel Bilibli. Kabayan winners, Mayor Rex Alwin Aquisan, Vice Mayor Sario Minas and Councilors Mircoles Lamses, Rudy Alos, Pelino Bugnay, Sandy Wa-is, Eugene Daoal, Marlon Nginsayan, Malou Cosalan and Ghislyn Lucio. In Bokod, Mayor Erik Donn Ignacio, Vice Mayor Doroteo Beray and Luis Acong, Marian Calawen, Miguel Jr. won. Cosalan, Pedro Anton, Gerardo Beray, Sonny Olas, Edward Albin and Alex Piok. Larry Tello won the Mayorship of Kibungan, while Vice Mayor Laurence Toking and Sangguniang Bayan members Roger Tugade, Labio Nabe, Brenson Siadto, Paulin Gumpic, Marcial Lingaling, Narciso Cayad-an, Ronico Agayo and Jovel Bentres. In Kapangan, Mayor Harris Dizon, Vice Mayor Santos Bastian, Sangguniang Bayan Members Bruno Canuto, Rechel Marcelo, Maribelle Diclas, Grant Balagsa, Johnson Andiso, Anthony Andong, Hector Mariano and Danny Eke. In Tublay, Mayor Juan Esnara, Vice Mayor Cruso Daguioa, Jr., Councilors Marvin Mayos, Lailyn Polig, Daniel Kaimpa-oy, Tikboy, Mendoza, Dinglee Berto, Nemescio Benito, Shane Awacan and Shangtaw Pangayan. Mayor Franklin Smith remained in Atok, while Vice Mayor Edward Beliano and Councilors Marilou Alos-Zarate, Raymundo Sarac, Edward Haight, Sammy Fianza, Charlie Lingbanan, Kelly Tomas, Simon Backian and Paul Mayos. And in Bakun, the winners are Mayor Bill Y. Raymundo, Vice Mayor Fausto T. Labinio and SB Members Jesus D. Lozano, June Raymundo C. Suni-en, Florencia L. Balakiao, Marciano P. Kigisan Jr., Mark C. Bayawa, Dixie L. La Madrid, Tokias Jayson L. Tokias and Edgar P. Ognaden.(By Zaldy Comanda)

By Janieca Edejer — UB Intern   BAGUIO CITY — A total of 1,290 cases of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been recorded in Cordillera since 1984 until now. Darwin Babon, Development Management Officer III of the Center for Health Development – ​​Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CHD-CAR), made this known during the Kapihan Health Media Conference held in conjunction with the 42nd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, held at the Department of Health – Cordillera Administrative Region office, on May 8. The department aims to discuss the current status of HIV cases in the region and steps being taken to improve the HIV care cascade in the provinces of Cordillera. According to Babon, from the total cases in the region, Baguio City has the most cases with 731 (56.6%), followed by Benguet (189) and Abra (182). By 2025, the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the region is estimated to reach 2,400, however, 1,164 of them have not yet been identified or diagnosed. Of the confirmed cases, 1,236 have been diagnosed (52%), but only 888 are actively enrolled in treatment (72% of those diagnosed), and 552 of them are virally suppressed (62%). The data shows that a large percentage of new HIV cases are among youth and young adults. According to the data, 48.29% of cases are from the age group of 25-34, while 28.92% are from the age group of 15-24. Correspondingly, three out of every ten cases are youth aged 15-24, while one out of two cases are in the age group of 25-34. The median age of HIV cases in the region is 28 years old. In the past two months of 2025, eight cases were recorded from the age group 15-24, proof that the youth sector continues to be at risk from the spread of the disease.   It also emerged that men still account for the majority of HIV cases in the region, with 1,198 cases (92.85%) compared to 92 cases (7.15%) among women and most of these cases are from biological males who have sex with men and transgender women. He also emphasized the stigma and discrimination that PLHIV continue to experience. According to Babon, it is important to promote comprehensive education, gender sensitivity, and confidentiality to encourage more people to get tested and receive treatment. DOH-CAR called on the public to join in the activities that will be conducted this month as part of the AIDS Candlelight Memorial, in recognition of those who lost their lives and in continuing the fight against HIV.      

  LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Four people were arrested after P3.6 million worth of dried marijuana was seized in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera in Barangay Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet on May 7. According to PDEA Regional Director Derrick Arnold Carreon, joint operatives nabbed the four peddlers after one of them sold 30 pieces of approximately 30 kilos of tubular-shaped marijuana wrapped in suspected dried marijuana leaves with stems. In addition, a black Toyota Fortuner loaded with illegal drugs was also seized. Carreon said two of the suspects are from Santol, La Union, while the other two are from Tublay, Benguet. The suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.  

Congressional candidate and Benguet Vice-Governor Ericson “Tagel” Felipe is facing disqualification case filed by a private citizen for the use of government issued vehicles during his campaign. The private citizen, who requested anonymity cited in his petition for disqualification filed on May 2 that Felipe allegedly violated Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), particularly on the use of government vehicle for giving material consideration to influence, induce, or corrupt voters. In the affidavit, the white vehicle marked “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” on the front passenger door regularly parked in front of Felipe’s property in Baguio City was concealed by a magnetic signage bearing the phrase “Good Governance Benguet,” rendered in the congressional candidate’s signature color theme as candidate for Congressman of the Lone District of Benguet. The petition added the “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” marking is being deliberately concealed by magnetic signage bearing the phrase “Good Governance Benguet” as indicated by visible residue surrounding the affected area. Aside from concealing the markings, it was also alleged that the vehicle’s plate is being interchanged from time to time. Section 68 of the OEC specifies that any candidate who, in an action or protest in which he is a party is declared by final decision of a competent court guilty of, or found by the Commission of having (a) given money or other material consideration to influence, induce or corrupt the voters or public officials performing electoral functions. Based on the documents obtained by the petitioner, the vehicle is owned by the Provincial Government of Benguet as certified by the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) which issued a Property Acknowledgment Receipt to Felipe. The petition also cited that the Supreme Court clarified that prior conviction is not necessary to sustain a petition for disqualification; it is sufficient that substantial evidence exists to support the violation. The petitioner also prayed that Felipe’s certificate of candidacy be cancelled and declared null and void for performing prohibited acts, and that the votes cast for him should be counted or treated as stray votes.