Former Department of Agriculture Secretary and ex-Bohol Governor Atty. Arthur Yap takes his oath as Murang Kuryente party-list representative at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, filling one of three seats vacated by the disqualified Duterte Youth Party-list as proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Contributed photo

BY: DAVE SUAN ALBAARDO

Former Bohol Governor Atty. Art Yap has been proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as a party-list representative, making him the only Boholano currently serving in Congress through the party-list system.

Yap, representing Murang Kuryente Party-list, was proclaimed on Oct. 2, 2025 alongside two other party-list groups following the disqualification of Duterte Youth Party-list, which freed up three congressional seats.

The 247,754 votes garnered by Murang Kuryente nationwide included nearly 66,000 from Bohol, representing close to 30 percent of the party-list’s total support, Yap told broadcast journalist Ardy Araneta-Batoy of DYTR.

“This belongs to the Boholano people,” Yap said, stressing that the votes came without support from provincial political leaders. “I’m so touched.”

Yap took his oath before House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Oct. 2, 2025 during an open session, officially joining the 20th Congress as it begins deliberations on budget amendments ahead of submitting the General Appropriations Bill to the Senate on Oct. 16, 2025.

BACKGROUND ON YAP

Arthur “Art” Cua Yap, a lawyer and former agriculture secretary, began his political career as Bohol’s third district congressman, serving from 2010 to 2019. He narrowly defeated former Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. in the 2019 gubernatorial race.

In 2022, Yap lost to current Governor Aris Aumentado and subsequently shifted focus to the party-list system rather than seeking reelection in local polls.

PARTY-LIST

The Comelec initially proclaimed 63 party-list groups but increased the number to 64 to comply with the constitutional requirement that 20 percent of the 317-seat House of Representatives be allocated to party-list representatives.

This allowed Gabriela Party-list, represented by Sarah Jane Elago, to be proclaimed as the 64th winner.

When Duterte Youth was disqualified, its three seats went to the next highest vote-getters: Abono Party-list with 254,474 votes represented by Robert Raymund Estrella, Ang Probinsyano Party-list with 250,886 votes represented by Alfred delos Santos, and Murang Kuryente with 247,754 votes.

MURANG KURYENTE ADVOCACY

Murang Kuryente Party-list campaigns for more affordable electricity rates for Filipino consumers.

The organization positions itself as advocating for solutions to high electricity costs, which it describes as a universal issue affecting all Filipinos.

“The issue of more affordable electricity is an issue affecting everyone,” Yap said, describing his party-list’s core mandate.

In a statement, Murang Kuryente said: “This victory is not only for us, but for every Filipino who dreams of more affordable electricity and a brighter future.”

SUPPORT FROM BOHOL FIGURES

The proclamation drew congratulations from Bohol political figures who supported Yap’s campaign, with some expressing hope for his impact on the province’s future.

Atty. Makdo Castañares posed the question on many Boholanos’ minds: “Can this good Representative of Murang Kuryente Partylist hailing from the land of the Chocolate Hills help alleviate or eliminate the ills of society i.e. poverty, inflation, low quality of life, among others, hounding the Province of Bohol? Only Art knows.”

Former Governor and Congressman Atty. Edgar M. Chatto, congratulated Yap, saying: “Congratulations, Cong. Art Yap and Murang Kuryente on your proclamation as party list representative in the 20th Congress!”

Atty. Dominic Villafuerte, posting for supporters, wrote: “Finally, a seat has been secured for Murang Kuryente! Congratulations to all of you!”

Former Valencia Mayor Kat-kat Lim said: “Well-deserved victory! At least we are assured that there is somebody in Congress who genuinely has the heART to serve the people without vested interest!”

Former Bohol Board Member Mimi Boniel expressed gratitude for the proclamation, saying it represents “a big opportunity to continue the desire to provide more affordable electricity to the people, and to be a voice for families who need solutions to high electricity bills.”

SADNESS

Yap acknowledged receiving no official support from Governor Aumentado, who backed other party-lists, or from the second and third district congresswomen during the May 2025 elections.

He noted that in effect, Bohol gained an advocate in Congress without increasing the number of district congressional seats.

Tagbilaran City political leaders were also unable to assist.

“I had zero support from the majority of the political leaders in Bohol,” Yap said. “I don’t blame any of them. As a politician, it’s very difficult. They are trying to balance personal interests with their work.”

Despite the lack of institutional backing, Yap said he understands each leader’s individual situation and harbors no resentment.

He described maintaining “a very good relationship” with Chatto and former Vice Governor Rene Relampagos, noting they “are always in touch.”

CALL FOR COOPERATION

Yap called on Bohol’s political leaders to set aside politics and cooperate for the province’s benefit, noting that Congress faces corruption allegations and is going through “a very difficult time.”

“Now that everyone is in public service, to set aside politics and help one another,” he said. “The people need a lot of help.”

He expressed respect for Governor Aumentado, referring to him as “my governor,” and said he wishes him success.

“If Aumentado succeeds, Bohol becomes the biggest beneficiary,” Yap said, refusing to compare leadership styles “out of professionalism.”

The former governor said he plans to establish a social media-based portal to accept assistance requests, eliminating the need for constituents from remote areas to visit offices physically.

While his constituency as a party-list representative extends to all Filipinos domestically and abroad, Yap said he would “look back and help Bohol and take care of its people.”

“Being a party-list representative, my constituents are not just Boholanos but other Filipinos in the country and abroad,” Yap said. “Despite the scope, I am going to look back and help Bohol.”