Team DailyPedia
The main entrance of the Tarlac Provincial Capitol has been closed for repairs just as rival candidates are set to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the upcoming 2025 elections, raising suspicions and backlash online.
The closure has limited access to the front façade, a strategic area for political gatherings, and led to claims that the move was intended to suppress public displays of support for candidates challenging the influential Yap family.
The Facebook page I Love Tarlac City alleged that the repairs were a deliberate attempt to prevent rival candidates from showcasing the strength of their supporters, posting, “Alam na magpa-file ng COC ang Mayor ng Tarlac City pero haharangan…?” The post, which has quickly gained traction with 353 reactions, 330 comments, and 150 shares, accuses the Capitol of trying to block opposition gatherings.
The entrance closure particularly affects the rallying of supporters for candidates expected to challenge former Governor Victor Yap, who is seeking another gubernatorial term, and his nephew, Rep. Christian Yap, who is running for re-election in Tarlac’s 2nd District.
With the Capitol’s front closed, political gatherings are now confined to the limited space outside the provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) office. The I Love Tarlac City page called out this move, urging all candidates to “lumaban kayo ng parehas,” while netizens voiced their disapproval of the Capitol’s action.
“Lumaban po kayo patas para maging maayos po election. Ipakita po nyo sa mga sinasakupan nyo na isa kayong mga nag-aral at hindi mangmang,” commented one user, echoing the call for a fair and transparent electoral process.
As election season intensifies, the controversy surrounding the Capitol’s decision has become a flashpoint, with many calling for a level playing field for all candidates.
