The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially proclaimed Elmer Catulpos as the new representative of the 1Tahanan party-list in the 20th Congress following the resignation of its first nominee.The development comes after 1Tahanan party-list Rep.Nathaniel Oducado and Pinoy Workers party-list Rep.Franz Vincent Legazpi both resigned from their posts in the House of Representatives.

Oducado earlier explained that his resignation was due to health concerns, distancing himself from any claims that it was related to his vote on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to Comelec, Catulpos was the fourth nominee of the 1Tahanan party-list and was next in line after the first three nominees also stepped down from the position.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia confirmed that Catulpos was able to assume the position immediately after his proclamation, ensuring continuity of representation for the party-list in Congress.Based on his certificate of acceptance of nomination, Catulpos is a 50-year-old businessman from General Santos City in Cotabato.

Shortly after being proclaimed, he expressed his commitment to continue the legislative agenda started by his predecessor, particularly focusing on pending bills in the House.

He also highlighted his intention to prioritise initiatives related to tourism, frontliners, and workers, especially those in the tourism sector, which he identified as a key area needing support and recovery efforts.

The Comelec also noted a similar development involving the Pinoy Workers party-list, where former National Youth Commission commissioner Karl Josef Legazpi was earlier proclaimed as its representative.

These proclamations form part of the electoral commission’s mandate to ensure that party-list groups maintain proper representation in Congress despite resignations and vacancies among nominees.The transition underscores the procedural role of Comelec in upholding continuity in legislative representation through the party-list system.