NYC chair deemed resigned amid pending party-list bid
MALACAÑANG on Sunday ordered Chairman Ronald Gian Carlo L. Cardema of the National Youth Commission (NYC) to vacate his post as he has filed a petition to replace his wife, Ducielle Marie Suarez-Cardema, as the 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 S. Panelo said in a statement.
Mr. Panelo also pointed out that Mr. Cardema’s petition has yet to be approved by the Comelec “as the body is still currently tackling the procedural and substantive legalities of the same.”
“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 added.
“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.”
Mr. Panelo said Mr. Duterte will soon appoint a person “who can advance the genuine interests and welfare of our country’s youth as the new chairperson of the NYC.”
Mr. Cardema, who is more known as head of the Duterte Youth Movement, was appointed to the NYC last year.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Mr. Cardema said: “Time to crush all NPA-allied Congressmen and stop them from supporting/aiding/funding their armed comrades in bringing down our government, in killing our government troops, in burning cell sites/equipment being used by millions of Filipinos, in taking over government housing units, and in extorting money from our helpless countrymen.”
“We will spread a strong sense of nationalism, sense of discipline, enlightenment & development in our nation and we will inspire the millions of Filipino Youth in strengthening the Philippine Republic, during this generation of ours.” — Arjay L. Balinbin
