Duterte Youth Pursues Graft Charges Against Comelec
Ronald Cardema, chairman of the Duterte Youth Party-list, has taken another legal step against the Commission on Elections (Comelec) by filing graft and corruption charges against several Comelec officials. This latest move came shortly after Cardema urged some members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) to postpone the appointment of two Comelec commissioners.
Cardema’s complaint targets officials involved in the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) during the 2025 elections, which suspended the proclamation of the Duterte Youth Party-list. Sources familiar with the case say this suspension has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges.
Complaint Filed Against Key Comelec Officials
The complaint, filed on May 29, names Teopisto Elnas Jr., Rafael Olaño, Helen Aguila-Flores, Celia Romero, and other members who supported the NBOC’s supervisory body. Cardema alleges that these officials recommended the suspension of the Duterte Youth’s proclamation, as reportedly stated by Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia.
In response to the charges, Garcia described the actions as part of their public service duties and emphasized trust in legal processes for decision-making. “Belief in our legal processes makes decision-making a lot easier,” he said when asked for comment.
Allegations of Targeted Suspension
Cardema stressed the frustration of the 2.3 million Filipinos who voted for Duterte Youth, expressing, “In behalf of the 2.3 million Filipinos who voted for the Duterte Youth Party-List…we repeatedly questioned COMELEC Chairman George Garcia on why COMELEC suspended our proclamation, his only answer is because it was ‘recommended’ by the 2025 NBOC Supervisory Committee.”
Alongside the graft charges, Cardema also petitioned the Commission on Appointments to delay the confirmation of commissioners Noli Pipo and Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal. He argues that the suspension, carried out by these commissioners and others, lacks a legal basis and unfairly targets the Duterte Youth Party-list.
Legal and Ethical Questions Raised
Cardema pointed out that upon closer examination, the supervisory committee cited by Garcia does not have the power to make such recommendations. He explained, “Kakaturo ni George Garcia sa Supervisory Committee araw-araw, tiningnan namin kahapon kung ano ba talaga ang powers nitong Supervisory Committee, wala naman pala sila ganong powers.”
He further argued that even if the committee possessed such authority, the Ombudsman would notice that not all candidates with pending cases were suspended. Instead, Cardema claims the Duterte Youth Party-list was singled out. He added, “At kahit bigyan pa nila ng ganung powers, makikita agad ng Ombudsman na hindi naman pinasuspend nito lahat ng ibang may pending case, talagang tinarget lang todo ang Duterte Youth Party-List kaya ito ay in violation of Sec. 3 Paragraph e of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft & Corrupt Practices Act.”
Ongoing Political and Legal Battle
This development reflects an ongoing political and legal battle surrounding the Duterte Youth Party-list and the Comelec. It highlights concerns about the fairness and transparency of election-related decisions and the powers of electoral bodies.
Local experts suggest that the resolution of these charges and petitions could set important precedents for election administration and party-list representation in the Philippines.
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