Joey Uy insists that he’s a Filipino amid Comelec decision

Manila congressional candidate Joey Uy. Photo from Uy’s Facebook page.

MANILA, Philippines — Joey Uy, whose certificate of candidacy got voided by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division for material misrepresentation, insisted on Friday that he is a Filipino.

READ: Comelec-says-joey-uy-may-face-criminal-case-for-misrepresentation/

In a statement, Uy said many Filipinos have expressed alarm and confusion over the resolution issued by Comelec pertaining to his allegedly questionable citizenship.

“I was born in Sta. Mesa, Manila. My father is a naturalized Filipino but my mother is a natural-born Filipino. If your mother is natural-born and the Philippines is your birthplace, then you are a natural-born Filipino,” said Uy in Filipino.

To prove his point, Uy said he grew up in Manila where he studied, lived, and served since he became a councilor in 2004.

“The people of the sixth district have spoken about who they want to represent in Congress through a free and democratic election. I hope their voices will be heard,” he said.

Comelec Second Division earlier declared Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. as the duly elected Representative of the Manila City 6th District in the 2025 midterm elections.

The division also ruled that the votes cast for Uy will be considered “stray.” /mr