Joy Bernos

Maria Jocelyn "Joy" Valera Bernos (born January 9, 1977) is a Filipina politician who served as the vice governor of Abra before her final suspension on September 23, 2024.^[1] She was previously the governor of the province from 2016 to 2022, a member of the House of Representatives representing Abra's at-large congressional district from 2010 to 2016, and a member of the Abra Provincial Board from 2007 to 2010.^[2]

The Honorable Maria Jocelyn Bernos
Vice Governor of Abra
In office June 30, 2022 – September 23, 2024[a]
Preceded by	Ronald S. Balao-as
Succeeded by	Russell Bragas[b]
Governor of Abra
In office June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2022
Preceded by	Takit Bersamin
Succeeded by	Dominic Valera
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives of Lone District of Abra
In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2016
Preceded by	Cecilia Seares-Luna
Succeeded by	Joseph Sto. Niño B. Bernos
Personal details
Born	(1977-01-09) January 9, 1977 (age 48) Bangued, Abra, Philippines
Political party	NUP (2015–present) Asenso (2010–present)
Other political affiliations	Liberal (2012–2015) PDSP (2009–2012)
Spouse	Marc Ysrael Bernos (deceased)
Children	3
Parent	Dominic Valera (father)

She stood for the 2016 gubernatorial election under the banner of the NUP,^[3] however, since 2019, she has stood as a member of ASENSO.^[2][4]

On August 12, 2024, she was ordered suspended by President Bongbong Marcos for 18 months following an investigation into her unilaterally ordering the lockdown of a hospital in Bangued during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when she was governor.^[5] However, her suspension was halted on technical grounds by a court in Abra, which issued a 20-day temporary restraining order against the decision on September 2.^[6] The TRO expired on September 23, rendering the suspension final and executory.^[7]

Bernos ran again for vice governor in 2025 but lost to Anne Bersamin.^[8]