Palace on Cardema return in NYC: No one can question President’s prerogative

MANILA, Philippines — No one can question the President’s prerogative to appoint individuals to certain government positions, Malacañang said Friday as it defended the return of Ronald Cardema at the National Youth Commission (NYC).

“Ang mga presidential appointments po ay the sole and exclusive prerogative of the President. Sang-ayon po sa Saligang Batas ay wala pong kahit na sino ang pupwede mag-question sa mga ganyang appointment. Nasa pleasure na po ‘yan ng Presidente,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised Palace press briefing.

Cardema, who was deemed ineligible to represent the Duterte Youth Party-list in the 2019 elections, was reportedly back at the NYC as a commissioner.

His nomination as Duterte Youth’s first nominee was canceled by the Commission on Elections as he was already 34 years old at that time.

Under the law, a youth sector representative must be between 25 and 30 years old.

Cardema’s return at NYC was met with criticisms, with Youth Act Now Against Tyranny calling him a “fake youth leader”.

Asked if the President will reconsider his decision following objections on Cardema’s reappointment, Roque stressed: “Hindi po kinakailangan na i-justify ng Presidente ang kanyang appointments. That is his sole, exclusive prerogative.”

/MUF