THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has cancelled the registration of the Duterte Youth Party-list, formally known as the Duty to Energize the Republic through the Enlightenment of the Youth Sectoral Party-list Organization.
In a 25-page decision released Wednesday, the Comelec Second Division granted a 2019 petition to nullify the party-list’s registration, citing a failure to comply with mandatory publication and hearing requirements, rendering the registration void ab initio (void from the beginning).
The Comelec emphasized that the party-list’s lack of transparency and accountability demonstrated a poor commitment to its constituents.
The decision highlighted the Duterte Youth’s failure to adhere to legal requirements, specifically citing the fielding of overage nominees in the 2019 elections.
While acknowledging the party’s autonomy in choosing nominees, the Comelec stressed that this freedom is not absolute and must operate within the legal framework. The ruling referenced Section 9 of Republic Act 7941, which outlines the qualifications for party-list nominees, including the age requirement of 25 to 35 years old on election day. The Duterte Youth’s violation of this provision provided further grounds for the cancellation.
The Comelec’s decision underscores the importance of adherence to legal processes and requirements for all party-list organizations.
The ruling serves as a reminder that even with internal autonomy, party-lists must operate within the established legal framework and demonstrate transparency and accountability to the electorate. The cancellation of the Duterte Youth’s registration has significant implications for the party’s future participation in elections.
