Christopherson Yap

Christopherson Yap
Official portrait, 2025
Member of the House of Representatives from Southern Leyte's 2nd district
Assumed office
June 30, 2022
Preceded byDistrict established
Acting Governor of Southern Leyte
In office
August 10, 2017 – October 31, 2018
Preceded byDamian Mercado
Succeeded byDamian Mercado
Vice Governor of Southern Leyte
In office
June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2022
GovernorDamian Mercado
Preceded bySheferred Lino Tan
Succeeded byRosa Emilia Mercado
Personal details
BornChristopherson Macabata Yap
(1981-11-26) November 26, 1981[1]
Cebu City, Philippines
PartyLakas (2022–present)
Other political
affiliations
PDP–Laban (2018–2022)
Liberal (2015–2018)
Alma materUniversity of San Carlos
OccupationPolitician

Christopherson "Coco" Macabata Yap (born November 26, 1981)[1] is a Filipino politician. He is currently serving as representative of the Southern Leyte's 2nd district in the House of Representatives of the Philippines since 2022.[2][3] He served as Vice Governor of Southern Leyte from 2016 to 2022.

Early life and education

Yap was born on November 26, 1981 in Cebu City, Philippines to Crispin Yap and Amalia Yap (née Macabata).[4] He studied at the University of San Carlos.

Political career

Vice Governor of Southern Leyte (2016–2022)

Yap was elected as vice governor of Southern Leyte from 2016 to 2022 where he served for two terms.

Acting Governor of Southern Leyte (2017–2018)

In 2017, Yap was appointed as acting governor of Southern Leyte after the suspension of Governor Damian Mercado.[5]

House of Representatives (2025–present)

In 2022, Yap was elected as representative for second district of Southern Leyte.[6][7]

Controversy

Rape allegations

In 2016, 17-year-old girl accused Yap for raping her when he was a vice governor.[8] In 2018, the case filed against him were dismissed.[9]

Personal life

In 2025, his mother, Amalia Yap ran as governor of Southern Leyte but she lost to Damian Mercado.[4][10]

Electoral history

Electoral history of Christopherson Yap[10]
Year Office Party Votes received Result
Total % P. Swing
2016 Vice Governor of Southern Leyte Liberal 89,324 N/a 1st N/a Won
2019 PDP–Laban 131,145 N/a 1st N/a Won
2022 Representative (Southern Leyte–2nd) 63,979 56.74% 1st N/a Won
2025 Lakas 74,505 52.18% 1st N/a Won

References

  1. ^ a b "Coco Yap". Rappler.com. February 19, 2026.
  2. ^ Reyes, Ronald O. (December 12, 2022). "Southern Leyte lawmaker lauds Romualdez, House allies". Sunstar Publishing Inc. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  3. ^ "Christopherson Yap". Serbisyo.ph.
  4. ^ a b "Amalia Macabata Yap". Rappler.com. March 12, 2026.
  5. ^ Amazona, Roel (July 5, 2018). "Guv asks PRRD to build Malasakit Center in Southern Leyte". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  6. ^ Sarwell Meniano and Lizbeth Ann Abella (August 28, 2019). "Southern Leyte voters to elect 2 solons on Oct. 26". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  7. ^ Meniano, Sarwell (July 2, 2022). "Solon upbeat about new admin's concern for E. Visayas". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  8. ^ "17-year-old accuses Southern Leyte governor of rape". GMA News. February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  9. ^ Abella, Lizbeth Ann (May 12, 2018). "Southern Leyte guv 'relieved' over rape case dismissal". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  10. ^ a b "RESULTS: Southern Leyte election 2025". Rappler. Retrieved March 12, 2026.