Jeric Teng enters politics, James Yap vies for re-election

FORMER UST Growling Tiger Jeric Teng plans to run for a seat in Quezon province this year, joining a long list of elite basketball players who have turned to politics. 

Teng, who most recently played for the Quezon Huskers in the MPBL, said on Tuesday via Instagram that he will run for councilor in the town of Gumaca, Quezon province.

“Today is a very special and memorable day for me,” said Teng. “Kanina lamang, opisyal na po tayong naghain ng aking Certificate of Candidacy bilang Konsehal ng bayan ng Gumaca.”

“Alam ng aking pamilya at ng mga malalapit sa akin na simula pagkabata ay pangarap ko na maibahagi ang aking sarili para sa mas malawak na layunin at makatulong sa nakararami.”

“Naging instrumento ko ang hilig at talento ko sa basketball upang magbigay inspirasyon sa mga kabataan na abutin ang kanilang mga pangarap at maghatid ng mensahe na walang impossible kung tayo ay magsusumikap,” he added.

Teng is also a former PBA player, having previously played for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Mahindra Floodbuster, and NorthPort Batang Pier before switching leagues. He wants to help the town be known and grow.

“Mula sa Gumaca Quezon ang aming pamilya. Madalas din ang aking pag uwi simula pagkabata; kaya hangad kong umasenso at makilala pa ang ating bayan,” Teng explained.

“Sa pamamagitan din ng mga natutunan at napagaralan ko, gusto kong makatulong sa mga kababayan natin sa abot ng aking makakaya. I hope to initiate programs that support the progress of our community.”

Yap comes back

In addition to Teng, several former professional basketball players, including San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora and Councilor James Yap, have filed certificates of candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections. 

Yap, a 42-year-old PBA legend, is seeking re-election and has officially begun his campaign for a second term as a councilor in San Juan City’s first district.

“Sa totoo lang, nahirapan talaga ako na ipagsabay yung basketball at politics. Nagsa-suffer talaga yung basketball ko. Ngayon cus ako sa politics, kausapin ko yung [Blackwater] management,” said Yap. 

“Ayaw ko naman na magsho-show up ako sa basketball, mas gusto ko rin namang kondisyon ka.”

“Eh hindi ako nakapag-practice ng mabuti so kausapin ko muna yung management na talagang 110% na focus muna ako dito sa pagtakbo ko as councilor sa 2nd term.”

Yap relocated to Blackwater after nearly eight years with the Rain Or Shine ElastoPainters. He did not play for the Bossing in their Season 49 Governors’ Cup campaign.