Comelec Anticipates Duterte Youth Supreme Court Petition
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) remains unsurprised as the Duterte Youth party-list seeks relief from the Supreme Court following the poll body’s decision to suspend its proclamation. The move comes after the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), acting on Comelec’s authority, halted Duterte Youth’s official recognition as a winning party-list.
According to sources close to the matter, Duterte Youth chairman Ronald Cardema had earlier warned that the group would challenge the suspension, alleging grave abuse of discretion on Comelec’s part. However, Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia appeared unfazed by the party-list’s legal response.
“Tama lang po ‘yan. Ineexpect po ‘yan. Kasama po ‘yan sa expectation ng… National Board of Canvassers,” Garcia said in an interview, acknowledging that such petitions are part of the usual legal process.
Duterte Youth Files Petition Citing Alleged Grave Abuse
On the same day, Cardema formally filed a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court and requested a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt Comelec’s suspension. He argued that the poll body’s decision was based on a “hao shao” or a shallow case filed against them in 2019.
Cardema insisted that since Duterte Youth had secured seats after both the 2019 and 2022 elections, they should be allowed to occupy a seat now. However, Comelec officials explained that the change in leadership has influenced their current stance.
Garcia emphasized that the commission stands by its decision and will proceed cautiously even if Duterte Youth has already been proclaimed. “Sa amin po, tama pwede pong i-akusa kami ng grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction dahil yan naman po lagi ang basehan ng isang petition for certiorari,” he explained.
Comelec Prioritizes Case Resolution Over Premature Proclamation
The commission prefers to suspend proclamations to avoid complications such as candidates withdrawing or positions being nullified later. Garcia highlighted that Comelec can still address pending cases against candidates before they are officially proclaimed, sworn in, or assume office.
“Sa isang banda hindi po ba maganda mapag-isipan din po ng partylist na ‘yan na ito na yung tamang pagkakataon upang ma-resolba ang kaso. Kasi darating at darating ang tamang panahon na mareresolba yung case na ‘yan,” Garcia noted, suggesting that Duterte Youth consider this suspension an opportunity to resolve their legal issues promptly.
This ongoing dispute underscores the delicate balance between electoral processes and legal challenges in the Philippines. Both Comelec and Duterte Youth remain engaged in a legal battle that could set important precedents for future party-list proclamations.
For more news and updates on Duterte Youth proclamation suspension, visit Filipinokami.com.