Jeffrey Soriano Poised for Political Comeback in the House of Representatives
Former ACT-CIS party-list representative Jeffrey Soriano is set to make a significant return to the House of Representatives, marking a notable development in Philippine politics. This potential comeback stems from his position as the third nominee of the Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support Inc. (ACT-CIS) party-list, based on the official list submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) before the May 2025 elections.
Background and Previous Service
Soriano has prior experience serving as an ACT-CIS representative, having held the role as its third nominee during the 19th Congress. However, his tenure was interrupted when he resigned in February 2023, creating a gap in representation. The current vacancy in the two party-list seats allocated to ACT-CIS arises from the sudden resignation of its first nominee, Edvic Yap. This departure has left Representative Jocelyn Tulfo, the second nominee who garnered 1,239,930 votes in the May 2025 polls, as the sole ACT-CIS member in the House.
Comelec's Call for Immediate Action
In a recent interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized the urgency of formal notifications regarding the vacancy. He urged both the ACT-CIS party-list and the House of Representatives to promptly inform the poll body to facilitate swift action. "Our request is: so that the Comelec can act immediately and certify, please send us your letters immediately," Garcia stated. He clarified that letters from both the House leadership and the involved party-list are necessary before the commission can proceed with certification processes.
Garcia further explained, "They should both inform us so that we would be able to issue a certification on who will replace him based on the list they submitted to the Comelec." This procedural step is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and adherence to electoral guidelines.
Recent Developments in the House
During a session on Wednesday, Deputy Majority Leader and Leyte Representative Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon announced that the chamber had received a formal letter from Yap notifying them of his resignation. This official communication sets the stage for the next steps in filling the vacancy, potentially paving the way for Soriano's return to legislative duties.
The situation highlights the dynamic nature of party-list representation in the Philippines, where vacancies can lead to unexpected comebacks and shifts in political alignment. As the process unfolds, stakeholders await further updates from Comelec and the House regarding Soriano's reinstatement.
