Tarlac city: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has annulled the proclamation of Tarlac City Mayor Susan Sulit for lack of residency requirement. In a 12-page ruling, the Comelec en banc has declared Sulit ineligible to serve in a public office for failure to meet the mandatory one-year residency required by law.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Comelec en banc resolved to grant the motion for reconsideration filed by Amado de Leon and Jay-Ar Navarro. This decision reverses the earlier resolution by the Commission Second Division. Consequently, Susan Areno Yap-Sulit is deemed ineligible to be elected as Mayor of Tarlac City, leading to the annulment of her proclamation.

The decision also noted that Sulit failed to rebut the evidence submitted by the petitioners, which demonstrated that she did not establish domicile in Barangay Tibag, Tarlac City. As a result, the city's elected vice mayor will replace Sulit, following Section 44 of the Local Government Code.

In response to the ruling, Sulit committed to exhaust all legal remedies and appealed to the public and election officials to uphold the will of the voters. She expressed her readiness to present documents and evidence to refute the accusation.

Sulit's supporters have demonstrated their backing by organizing pocket rallies and vigils across multiple locations in the city. The League of Municipalities - Tarlac Chapter also expressed support for the mayor's pursuit of legal remedies, emphasizing the importance of the sovereign will of the people as expressed through the ballot. They highlighted concerns that overturning such a mandate through technicalities undermines democratic processes and disenfranchises the electorate.