MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has revoked the registration of Duterte Youth as a party-list group, citing multiple violations of election rules and legal requirements — effectively barring the group from securing three House seats. But its chairperson, Ronald Cardema, denounced the decision as politically motivated.
In a 2-1 ruling, the Comelec Second Division found that Duterte Youth failed to meet mandatory publication and hearing requirements during its accreditation process.
The group was also faulted for endorsing a nominee deemed unqualified, espousing violence, and allegedly using Cardema’s former position as chair of the National Youth Commission to gain political leverage.
Duterte Youth, which has faced legal challenges since 2019, is still battling a second petition filed in May this year. This more recent complaint accuses the group of red-tagging legitimate party-list groups and lawmakers — labeling them “terrorists” and “NPA recruiters” without basis or due process.
Cardema, however, dismissed the Comelec’s ruling as expected and politically charged.
“Sa totoo po, hindi na tayo nagulat kasi hino-hold nga nila ‘yung proclamation namin eh. They were mandated to proclaim us noong May 19 pero hino-hold nila kasi may pending cases noong 2019,” Cardema said in an interview on BNC’s At The Forefront.
He questioned the poll body’s consistency in handling similar cases, citing other groups and candidates that were proclaimed despite pending legal issues.
“Pero ‘yung mga kasamahan nating party-list group and ‘yung mga senatoriables na may pending cases hindi naman nila hinold. Dun pa lang makikita na na pinupulitika kami ng Comelec,” he added, referring to Kabataan, ACT Teachers, and Gabriela party-lists.
Cardema further pointed to high-profile individuals such as ML party-list representative Leila de Lima, who had faced illegal drug charges, and incoming senator Erwin Tulfo, who had issues surrounding his citizenship.
“Kahit itaas pa natin sa (Comelec) en banc yan, we are not expecting any favorable decision from them kasi pinupulitika nga kami,” Cardema said.
The Comelec has yet to release a statement on whether the decision will be elevated to the en banc for final resolution./PN
