TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (Oct. 27, 2025) — In a powerful display of solidarity, about 3,000 supporters of Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap gathered at the San Sebastian Cathedral and Tarlac City plazuela this morning as close political allies joined the embattled chief executive for a vigil Mass and assembly.
Leading her supporters was her son, Tarlac Governor Christian Yap, who was joined by Vice Governor Lita Aquino, several board members, and town mayors May Eclar of Gerona, Venus Jordan of La Paz, Doña Tesoro of San Manuel, and Kat Roxas of Paniqui.
The event underscored the deep trust Tarlac residents place in Yap, a nine-year veteran of provincial governance who transitioned to the mayoralty after a close win in the May 2025 elections. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently ruled her ineligible for the position, annulling her proclamation and sparking widespread concern over the decision’s impact on local democracy.
Despite the uncertainty in her political career as city mayor, Yap addressed the crowd, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to public service.
“I’ve always served the people of Tarlac, not with myself in mind. Hindi ko iniisip ang sarili ko. Kaya itong laban — what we’re going through now — is not about me. I cannot let your voices and your confidence, iyong trust [na] ibinigay niyo po sa akin [go to waste]. Boses niyo ang ipinaglalaban ko. I still have trust in our justice system. So in the next few days, keep up the prayers para maliwanagan sila. Maganda ang laban,” Yap said in her speech, drawing cheers from the sea of attendees waving banners.
The rally capped a day of escalating support for Yap, highlighted by an open letter from 1st District Representative Jaime Cojuangco, praising Yap’s “enduring commitment to public service and good governance,” recounting her transformative nine years as governor that bolstered infrastructure, empowered farmers, and enhanced transparency.
Adding weight to the groundswell, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Tarlac Chapter – adopted Resolution No. 4 on Oct. 24, 2025, expressing “full, unequivocal, and unwavering support” for Yap.
The 17 town mayors of Tarlac — LMP Tarlac President Tesoro, Boots Rodriguez of Capas, Bong Tan of Santa Ignacia, Roxas, Epoy Balmores of Pura, Jordan, Joey Salting of Bamban, RB Aquino of Moncada, Roseller Toledo of San Clemente, Jun Pobre of Mayantoc, Rex Villa Agustin of Victoria, Romeo Capitulo of San Jose, Jappy de Dios of Anao, Joyce Agustin of Camiling, Celso Banag of Ramos, Noel Villanueva of Concepcion, and Eclar — assailed the COMELEC decision as an undermining of the electorate’s sovereign will.
“Mayor Susan A. Yap received a clear, unequivocal, and overwhelming mandate from the people of Tarlac City … a testament to their trust and confidence in her leadership, integrity, and capability,” part of the LMP resolution read.
Today’s show of force by Yap’s supporters might be a foreshadowing of the events that may unfold tomorrow when Vice Mayor KT Angeles is expected to be sworn in as the city mayor.
