Guanzon to file libel, perjury raps vs Cardema

MANILA, Philippines — For accusing her of corruption while under oath, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon will file libel and perjury charges next year against disqualified party list nominee Ronald Cardema in various parts of the country.

Guanzon made the announcement after the Comelec held its en banc hearing on Wednesday on Cardema’s withdrawal of a motion asking for another look at his disqualification for being an overage nominee of the Duterte Youth party list.

The Comelec’s First Division earlier said the 34-year-old Cardema “committed material misrepresentation” because the law provides that youth sector representatives should not be older than 30.

Twelve days after the Comelec decision in August, Cardema accused Guanzon of harassment and of allegedly seeking favors in exchange for Comelec accreditation.  Guanzon also demanded P2 million, Cardema claimed.

Guanzon said Cardema “affirmed that he stated those words against me, a sitting commissioner, describing me as a corrupt and rogue commissioner.  He used this notice of withdrawal to malign me in public, using a public document and under oath.  Those are actionable words.” —Jovic Yee