Groups Urge Comelec to Disqualify Duterte Youth

By Juliane Judilla

Various youth groups and election watchdogs have petitioned the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to resolve the disqualification case against the Duterte Youth party-list before incoming legislators take their oath on June 30.

More than 100 student councils, campus publications and youth organizations under the Kabataan Tayo ang Pag-Asa (KTAP) coalition, supported by Anakbayan and other progressive groups, called for the cancellation of Duterte Youth’s registration due to alleged misrepresentation of the youth sector and violations of election laws.

KTAP National Convenor Brell Lacerna underscored the urgency, stating, “The existence of Duterte Youth will only further deceive and exploit the youth, serving as a blatant disregard for our country’s respected electoral system.”

In a unity statement submitted to Comelec, KTAP said Duterte Youth “has never advocated for the legislative concerns of the youth” and instead pursued initiatives that endangered young people, red-tagged youth leaders and spread disinformation.

The group said Duterte Youth, chaired by former National Youth Commission Chair Ronald Cardema, frames attacks on progressive groups as patriotism, which they claim are actually political persecution campaigns that undermine democratic norms.

“Despite claiming to represent the youth, Duterte Youth has offered no real solutions to the crises facing our sector,” the statement added.

“Their record is one of violence, red-tagging and silencing dissent—not advocacy or legislation.”

“They are not a representative of the youth, but a tool of state repression against the pag-asa ng bayan.”

Anakbayan echoed these sentiments, calling Duterte Youth “a mere mouthpiece of the fascist regime of Rodrigo Duterte” and saying it does not represent the genuine interests of Filipino youth.

Disqualification Case

The petition to cancel Duterte Youth’s registration was first filed in 2019, citing material misrepresentation and the party-list’s failure to publish its list of nominees.

Although Comelec disqualified Cardema as the first nominee for being overage, the case has remained unresolved for more than six years.

In May 2025, Comelec suspended Duterte Youth’s proclamation due to a pending disqualification petition.

However, youth groups and election watchdogs continue to press for a final resolution before the new Congress convenes.

Genuine Youth Representation

Petitioners argue that allowing Duterte Youth to remain registered undermines the integrity of the party-list system, which was designed to give marginalized sectors, including the youth, a voice in Congress.

They urge Comelec to act decisively and ensure that youth representation in Congress comes from organizations that genuinely advocate for the sector’s rights and welfare.

As the June 30 deadline nears, youth groups and election watchdogs are intensifying their call for accountability, transparency and authentic representation.