Cardema may face raps for ‘leading’ NYC meeting after filing party-list bid

MANILA, Philippines — Former National Youth Commission (NYC) head Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema might face charges as he reportedly presided over a meeting of the Commission even after he had filed his substitution petition as first nominee of the Duterte Youth party-list at the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo revealed this Tuesday, saying the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been ordered to determine the possible violation of Cardema.

“We refer the case of Cardema to the DOJ because we have received reports that despite his filing of a certificate of substitution, he presided over a meeting subsequent to that certification so we’re referring the matter to the DOJ,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing. “Because if he is already resigned, how can he be presiding a meeting?”

“I just talked a while ago to the DOJ secretary. He will study the matter,” he added.

Panelo, who is also President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal counsel, also said the justice department would look into allegations that Cardema used his position to promote the Duterte Youth party-list.

“Yes, that will be included,” he said.

The Palace official said Cardema would be investigated despite being a supporter of the President.

“Now, with respect to being a supporter of the President, as we have already repeatedly said, no allies, no friends, no supporters – if they have committed any wrong – will be tolerated by this government,” Panelo said.

Earlier, Panelo said Cardema was deemed resigned as soon as he filed the petition for substitution as first nominee of Duterte Youth party-list.

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

On the eve of May 13, Election Day, Cardema filed a petition for substitution as party-list nominee of the Duterte Youth. He asked to replace his wife, Ducielle Marie Suarez Cardema, as first nominee of the pro-administration group. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)