Barangay Tibag Chairman Jay-Ar Navarro stood by his claim that Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap is not a legitimate resident of his barangay, explaining that the address listed in her certificate of candidacy (COC) was not a residential property.
Navarro told DZRH's Dos Por Dos that Yap declared a warehouse in Barangay Tibag as her residence when she filed her COC. The property, he said, was previously used for commercial storage by establishments such as Wise Choice and Robinson’s, and is owned by a Chinese individual—not the mayor.
As a lifelong resident and current barangay chairman, Navarro said he knows the people in the community well and has never seen Yap living there. He added that his own staff verified the location and found no signs that it had ever been used as a home.
“Since birth po ako ng Barangay Tibag. Dito po ako pinanganak, dito po ako lumaki… ‘Yong sinasabi po niyang residente niya is malapit po sa barangay hall which is bodega po yun,” Navarro said.
“Kami po mismo, ako po mismo, pinacheck ko pa nga po yun sa secretary ko at sa barangay tanod po. Pero wala talaga. Bodega po,” he added.
Navarro said that the warehouse had been renovated inside to appear residential.
“[Kung] domicile ka, dapat doon ka tumitira — may picture ka talaga na simula noon, nandoon ka na noong nag-register ka ng COC,“ said Navarro.
Navarro said his move came at a personal cost, as he was suspended by the Tarlac City Council after filing the case. Despite the setback, he maintained that he acted on principle and in accordance with the law.
Navarro also addressed criticisms that his complaint was politically motivated, saying his intention was only to ensure fairness and honesty among candidates seeking public office in Tarlac City.
He emphasized that residency should mean genuine connection and understanding of local issues—not just an address written on paper.
“Siyempre pagiging residente, hindi lang po sa address o papel. Dapat ramdam po natin yung yung buhay ng mga tao dito doon. Siyempre alam natin yung mga problema sa kasada, sa barangay, sa eskwela. Katulad po yan, may mga bagyo. Dapat tunay na taga roon sa mismong barangay. At magsabi po tayo ng totoo,” the barangay chairman said.
Following the Comelec’s ruling, the Supreme Court issued a status quo ante order, temporarily reinstating Yap while the case remains under review.
Navarro concluded that his goal is not to discredit the mayor, but to uphold the truth.
