Comelec Chairman Blamed for Cabinet Resignation Demand
Ronald Cardema, chairman of the Duterte Youth Party-list, has publicly accused the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia of provoking President Marcos to demand the resignation of all his Cabinet secretaries. Cardema specifically pointed to Garcia’s actions as the cause behind the President’s decision.
“Ikaw ang huling namulitika bago nagalit ang Presidente ng Pilipinas,” Cardema said on May 23 during the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery, emphasizing that Garcia was the last to engage in politicking before the President became upset. The Duterte Youth leader expressed visible anger while reiterating his criticism of Comelec’s choice to suspend the proclamation of his party-list as the winner in the 2025 mid-term elections.
Political Turmoil Surrounding Comelec’s Role
Cardema accused Garcia of prioritizing political maneuvering over addressing the issues faced by the election commission. He quoted President Marcos, stating, “Ano ang sinabi ng Pangulong Bongbong Marcos? Ayaw na ng tao ng politicking, gusto ng action,” highlighting the public’s desire for concrete measures rather than political gamesmanship.
Adding to the controversy, Cardema urged Garcia to follow the example of Cabinet secretaries who were asked to submit courtesy resignations. He claimed Garcia’s name was among those expected to step down, despite Comelec clarifying that Garcia, as head of a constitutional body, was not part of the executive branch and thus exempt from the resignation order.
Calls for Garcia’s Resignation Amid Conflicting Reports
Furthermore, Cardema referenced the Civil Service Commission Chairperson Marilyn Yap, who was rumored to have resigned but later denied doing so. He challenged Garcia by asking, “Bakit di mo samahan? Bakit di ka manindigan sa wisdom ng nag appoint sayo,” questioning why Garcia did not join in resigning and why he did not trust the judgment of the authority that appointed him.
This incident has intensified debates on the proper roles and responsibilities of constitutional bodies during political transitions. Local experts indicate that the situation reflects deeper tensions within government institutions amid the mid-term election aftermath.
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