Duterte Youth proclamation delay `dasurv!’ says Kabataan Party-list rep
Kabataan party-list. INQUIRER.net / John Eric Mendoza
MANILA, Philippines — “Dasurv!”
That colloquial term popular among youth these days — which means deserving — was the reply of Kabataan party-list Representative-elect Renee Co to the suspension of the Duterte Youth party-list’s proclamation.
“Dasurv! (Deserving!) The suspension of Duterte Youth is the first step in the youth sector’s long-standing clamor for their disqualification,” said Co, speaking in Filipino, in an ambush interview at the Manila Hotel.
“Ever since they ran in 2019, anomalies have been noticed in their registration, which are illegal and unconstitutional,” she added.
READ: Comelec suspends proclamation of Duterte Youth, BH party-lists
Co also noted that the Duterte Youth is “not a true representative” of the youth sector, as it never sought to address the issues the youth are facing, including their rights, education, and job security.
“We welcome this first step and of course, we are guarded so that the following steps until the disqualification persists,” said Co.
DQ could pave way for Gabriela
Meanwhile, Co then expressed hope that the suspension of the Duterte Youth party-list could lead to its disqualification, opening up space for the Gabriela Party-list.
Co made the pronouncement as she was asked how the Kabataan intends to fight within the House of Representatives, as the Makabayan Bloc is poised to lose some of its previous seats.
“Because of these developments, we’re looking forward to Gabriela Women’s Party sharing the space in the 20th Congress with us, but the fight continues within and outside Congress,” she said.
It was during the proclamation of winning party-lists when the Commission on Elections announced the suspension of proclamation of the Duterte Youth party-list, together with Bagong Henerasyon (BH).
Duterte Youth received the second-highest number of votes among party-lists, with 2,338,564 votes, affording it three House seats.
Should they be disqualified, three seats will automatically open up for other party-lists. / MR
