Comelec to decide on replacing Duterte Youth representatives

MANILA, Philippines —  The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to discuss and decide this week the possible replacements for the sectoral seats supposedly allotted to the Duterte Youth party-list group once the cancellation of its registration becomes final.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia, however, noted that they will have to wait for the Supreme Court’s disposition before implementing their decision.

“This coming Wednesday, the Commission en banc will discuss (the scenarios) in case the cancellation of the registration of the Duterte Youth party-list becomes final. Who should replace the three seats that the party-list should have won? Who should the Commission proclaim?” Garcia said.

He said the commission, acting as the National Board of Canvassers, will decide the party-list group or the representatives to be proclaimed for the three seats that will be vacated by Duterte Youth.

Voting 5-1-1, the commission previously affirmed the cancellation of registration of the Duterte Youth party-list. Duterte Youth may still appeal the Comelec’s decision before the Supreme Court.

The commission, Garcia said, will be consulting their law department regarding the matter.

However, Garcia said, they will not yet implement whatever their decision until the ruling on Duterte Youth becomes final and executory.

In the 2025 midterm elections, Duterte Youth garnered 2,338,564 votes and thus was entitled to three seats in the House of Representatives.

But the Comelec suspended its proclamation due to pending “serious allegations” against the group.