DOJ probing Cardema for leading NYC meeting despite party-list bid

FILE: Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra announces during a press briefing in Malacañang that the matter concerning the closure of the resorts in Boracay is currently one of the top priorities that are being discussed by the cabinet citing that it would not only concern the environmental aspect of the issue but the economic impact as well. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday initiated an investigation into the possible liability of Ronald Cardema, former chairman of the National Youth Commission (NYC), following reports he presided over meetings of the agency after he effectively resigned.

“The DOJ will start by gathering the relevant facts,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra in a message to reporters.

Guevarra confirmed that Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo had requested the agency to look into this matter and evaluate if charges may be filed against Cardema.

Earlier reports said that Cardema presided as NYC chairman after he filed the plea for substitution as the nominee of the Duterte Youth Party-list, and thus effectively resigned.

Members of the opposition has called out Cardema for seeking to substitute the original nominees in the group which says it will advocate mandatory military training for the youth, among other policies.

The group’s original nominees are Cardema’s wife, Ducielle Marie Suarez, Joseph M. de Guzman and Benilda C. de Guzman, along with two others. They have filed their notices of withdrawal simultaneously with Cardema’s substitution as the party-list nominee.