Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap must remain in office and serve her function as local chief executive, the Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday after issuing a status quo ante order that effectively halts the implementation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) en banc’s ruling against her.

In its en banc session, the High Court ordered that the status quo between the parties be maintained, meaning Yap continues to exercise her functions as Tarlac City Mayor while her petition is under judicial review.

The Supreme Court also directed the COMELEC and the private respondents, Amado S. De Leon and Jay-Ar Capulong Navarro, to file their comments on Yap’s petition within 10 days from notice, with no extensions allowed.

The ruling stems from Yap’s petition for certiorari, filed last week, which questioned the COMELEC en banc’s October 22 decision that overturned a previous dismissal by the poll body’s Second Division and disqualified her from office on grounds of residency.

In a statement released shortly after the Court’s order, Mayor Yap expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court, describing its move as an affirmation of due process and reason amid what she characterized as a politically motivated attempt to nullify the people’s choice.

“I thank the Supreme Court for being the voice of rationality in what has seemed like a hasty plot to unseat me and reverse the will of the Tarlaqueños,” said Yap. “This decision restores hope that the truth – and the people’s mandate – will prevail.”

Over the past few days, supporters of Mayor Yap have staged vigils and solidarity rallies all over the city, calling for respect for the voters’ decision and due process. Despite what she described as a “period of uncertainty,” Yap continued to report for work and perform her official duties, maintaining that her focus remains on public service.

“Even as the situation felt uncertain, I have remained at my post, serving the people who placed their trust in me,” she added.

The Supreme Court’s order effectively preserves Yap’s position while the case is being heard, pausing the effects of the COMELEC en banc resolution that annulled her proclamation.