‘Ronald Cardema just an observer, not a House member’

MANILA, Philippines — Former National Youth Commission chairman and disqualified first nominee of Duterte Youth party-list Ronald Cardema is just an “observer” whenever he visits the House of Representatives, and not a congressman.

The 54-member Party-list Coalition (PL) in the House made this clarification yesterday in the wake of Cardema’s alleged claims that he has taken his oath as a lawmaker.

The statement is also in answer to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, who has asked why the coalition has allowed Cardema to attend some of its past meetings.

Rep. Mikee Romero of 1-Pacman party-list is president of the coalition.

“Cardema was invited by the PL Coalition in a few occasions as a mere observer and not an official representative or member of the 18th Congress,” the group said in a statement.

It acknowledged though that Duterte Youth is part of the coalition, having won one seat in the last elections.

“The PL Coalition will respect and abide by the Comelec ruling with regard to the disqualification of Cardema,” it said.

The group said for a nominee to be recognized as a House member, he must possess a certificate of proclamation issued by the Comelec and an oath of office.

Cardema has appealed his disqualification, but Duterte Youth insisted on having him as its first nominee. The other nominees include Cardema’s wife Ducielle Marie.

Cardema became the group’s top nominee after five previous nominees, including his wife, had all withdrawn to give way to him. 

Cardema and Guanzon have been engaged in a word war on his case.

Guanzon has accused him of threatening her and her family. Cardema has denied the accusation. 

Guanzon said the Duterte Youth may be stricken out from the list of party-list groups accredited by the Comelec for “allowing itself to be used by Cardema.”

She said there is basis for some sectors to seek the cancellation of the registration of the group.

Duterte Youth is headed by Cardema as its president, secretary general and chairman. 

“I heard that some groups will file a petition to cancel the registration of Duterte Youth,” Guanzon said.

She said the group violated the law after Cardema committed material misrepresentation in his Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance, which is a ground for cancellation of registration of the party-list. – Sheila Crisostomo