The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has voted to cancel the registration of the Duterte Youth Party-list, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia confirmed on Wednesday.
In a 2-1 vote, the Second Division ruled in favor of revoking the party-list’s accreditation, citing unresolved issues, the details of which have yet to be made public.
Despite the decision, Garcia clarified that it is not yet final, emphasizing that the Duterte Youth Party-list may still seek legal remedies.
Garcia stated that the group has five days to file a motion for reconsideration before the Comelec en banc.
“Pwede pa din po kung i-reverse ng En Banc ang Division,” Garcia told reporters, noting that the ruling does not immediately affect the party-list’s standing in the recent elections.
The Duterte Youth Party-list garnered over 2.3 million votes in the last midterm elections, positioning itself to claim three seats in the 20th Congress.
However, due to the pending legal case, the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) suspended the party’s proclamation on May 19.
Garcia reiterated that the decision has no immediate legal effect unless affirmed by the Comelec en banc.
“Lalo na po sa supporters na ito na nakakuha ng tatlong seat, sapagkat syempre po kinakailangan na mapagbuti nila yung kanilang motion for reconsideration kung iyon po ang remedyo na i-a-avail,” Garcia explained.
“Baka naman pwede na nila mare-examine 'yung kanilang original na boto o kaya pu-pwede magbago 'yung kanilang naging desisyon noong una,” he added.
The Comelec has yet to release the full resolution detailing the basis for the cancellation, but officials said it will be made public soon.
As of now, the Duterte Youth remains eligible to be proclaimed and seated in Congress, pending the final resolution of the case.
