Over 10 petitions filed vs Cardema substitution – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — More than 10 petitions opposing the bid of former National Youth Commission (NYC) chairman Ronald Cardema to become the substitute-nominee of the Duterte Youth party-list group have been filed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

According to Comelec spokesman James Jimenez, the commission has not resolved whether or not Cardema is eligible to become a substitute because it still has to deliberate on the petitions.

“You first have to address the opposition and apparently many petitions have been filed. As of last count, it’s over 10 petitions,” Jimenez said at a press briefing.

Last Wednesday, Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas told The STAR that Cardema’s petition was accepted because it was filed before the deadline.

Before election day, the five original nominees of Duterte Youth, including Cardema’s wife Ducielle Marie Suarez, filed a petition to withdraw their nomination.

Various groups, including poll watchdog Kontra Data and Millennial PH, have questioned these moves, claiming that Duterte Youth and Cardema were making a mockery of the election system.

Jimenez noted it is possible that the 10 petitions would be consolidated for the orderly administration of the entire case.

He did not discount the possibility that the case will be elevated to the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal.

“But what is clear here is that it’s Duterte Youth that was proclaimed, not Cardema or any of the nominees,” he added.