Comelec to resolve Duterte Youth, BH cases before June 30 – Garcia
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia during a press conference on Friday in Manila. (INQUIRER.net / NOY MORCOSO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday vowed to resolve the pending cases, particularly those against Duterte Youth and Bagong Henerasyon (BH) party-list groups before June 30 or prior to the start of the term of office of elected officials.
On Monday, the Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, suspended the proclamation of Duterte Youth and BH party-list over pending cases.
Petitioners said the Duterte Youth made untruthful statements regarding the ages of their nominees, which they say would void their registration, while the BH party-list faces a complaint over the participation of a public official during the campaign period, which is not allowed under the law.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said it would be better for the said party-list groups to wait for the resolution of their cases before June 30.
“We will resolve such cases, not only their case (Duterte Youth and BH party-list), before June 30,” Garcia said in an ambush interview in Quezon City.
“That is the obligation of the Comelec, so that there would be no qualms once the winning representatives assume office on June 30,” he added.
Garcia, citing the Supreme Court, said the Comelec will only lose jurisdiction if all of these three requisites are done: proclamation, oath, and assumption of office.
“Therefore, at present, even at national positions, the Comelec still retains jurisdiction,” Garcia said.
“Would it be more hurtful to them if we proclaim them only for their certification to be cancelled later on?”
