ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines — Pediatrician Philip “Dok Bong” Acop secured a decisive victory in the special election for Antipolo City’s 2nd District, defeating several opponents including the candidate endorsed by Sara Duterte.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) officially proclaimed Acop as the winner on March 15 after the manual counting of ballots from 348 clustered precincts. He received 60,051 votes, succeeding his late father, Romeo Acop, whose passing earlier left the congressional seat vacant.
Running under the National Unity Party, Acop campaigned on the slogan “Alagang Acop, Alagang Angkop,” emphasizing programs focused on healthcare, education, agriculture, and livelihood. Among his key proposals are the construction of a Department of Health-operated tertiary hospital in Antipolo and the development of modern smart classrooms for public schools in the district.
One of Acop’s key rivals was Reden “Red” Llaga, who received endorsement from Vice President Sara Duterte and support from several allies within the Duterte political camp. Despite the backing, Llaga was unable to overcome Acop’s strong local support.
Other candidates who joined the race included Irvin Paulo “Paui” Tapales, Nathaniel “Atty. Nat” Lobigas, Maria Trinidad “Baby” Galang Cafirma, and Dandin “Dan” Infante, all of whom ran as independent contenders.
Earlier in the election season, incumbent councilor Lorenzo Juan “LJ” Sumulong III filed his candidacy but later withdrew after discussions with Antipolo Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III and Acop, citing the importance of unity and stability in the district. Both Sumulong and the Ynares political family are affiliated with the Nationalist People’s Coalition.
Voting for the special election was conducted manually across 36 polling centers in eight barangays of Antipolo’s 2nd District. Early voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities was held from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., while regular voting hours ran until 3:00 p.m. Due to the manual counting process, official results were finalized the following day.
Acop’s victory continues the Acop family’s political presence in the district since 2010, reinforcing their long-standing influence in local politics. His win also marks a notable political setback for the candidate endorsed by Vice President Sara Duterte.
Philip Acop will serve the remainder of the congressional term until June 30, 2028.
