Palace says Cardema deemed resigned, urges him to vacate NYC post

National Youth Commission Chair Ronald Cardema 

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday told National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairperson Ronald Cardema to vacate his post as he was already deemed resigned after he filed for substitution as first nominee of the Duterte Youth party-list.

“The petition for substitution of National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairperson Ronald Cardema as first nominee of the Duterte Youth party-list, as well as the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec’s) confirmation that it was timely filed (May 12), connotes that he is considered ipso facto resigned from his present post,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

While Cardema’s “has yet to be approved by the Comelec as the body is still currently tackling the procedural and substantive legalities of the same,” Panelo said the outcome would no longer matter.

“Regardless of the outcome, we deem that Mr. Cardema has already abandoned his present position because his act of filing the petition absolutely reflects his intention to relinquish his office and exposes his desire to serve the government in a different capacity,” he said.

“The Palace therefore requires Mr. Cardema to vacate his office forthwith and turn over all official papers, documents, and properties in his possession to the Office of the President,” he added.

The President, Panelo said, “shall soon appoint a person who can advance the genuine interests and welfare of our country’s youth as the new chairperson of the NYC.” (Editor: Julie Espinosa)