A political storm has recently erupted in the Philippines, where Luis Joey Chua Uy, a Chinese newcomer who was elected by a high vote as the representative of the sixth district of Manila, was denied recognition as a member of the House of Representatives on his inauguration day and was excluded from the official roster of members, sparking widespread attention.
On July 3, Luis Joey Chua Uy submitted a mandamus and prohibition order to the Supreme Court of the Philippines, requesting the correction of the House's actions and the confirmation of his legal status as a member. He emphasized that he was officially declared the winner by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on May 13 and had completed his oath on June 30, serving in accordance with the law.
However, the House of Representatives cited a temporary resolution by Comelec on the same day to revoke his election announcement and declared his opponent, Bienvenido Abante Jr., as the elected candidate. Luis Joey pointed out that the resolution did not take effect immediately, and Comelec acted ultra vires, violating legal procedures.
More questionably, the House of Representatives bypassed the electoral court's hearing process and directly deprived him of his membership qualifications. Luis Joey claimed that this action deprived him of his right to represent the people and trampled on the democratic system of the Philippines.
Luis Joey Chua Uy suggested that racial discrimination might be behind the incident. He was born in Manila, his father is a naturalized Chinese, and his mother is Filipino, making him a naturally born Filipino citizen with proof of long-term residence and community service, including serving as a city councilor.
Despite his clear identity, he was still denied entry into the parliament. Speculations abound that this reflects the deep-rooted anti-Chinese sentiment in Filipino society.
The case is currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court, and a full court meeting on July 8 may discuss this case. The ruling could affect future election disputes and the political rights of ethnic minorities in the Philippines.
This incident has not only sparked legal and political attention but has also pushed the political status of Chinese Filipinos to the forefront. Luis Joey Chua Uy's struggle has become a focal point and symbol for the Chinese community in the Philippines.
