Comelec Cancels Duterte Youth Party-List Over Rule Violations

PCI

Comelec Chair George Garcia noted that the party-list group still has five days to appeal the decision before it becomes final. (Arianne Lacanilao/PCI Photo)

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has canceled the registration of the Duterte Youth party-list for failing to follow key legal requirements. In a 2-1 vote, the Comelec Second Division ruled that the group did not go through the required publication and public hearing processes before being registered.

The decision came after a petition filed in 2019 by four youth leaders, who questioned the group’s legitimacy under the 1987 Constitution and the Party-list System Act. Comelec said the group’s failure to meet these steps was enough to cancel its registration.

The ruling also criticized the Duterte Youth for switching its list of nominees multiple times just before the 2019 elections. Although technically allowed, Comelec said the last-minute changes “undermine the spirit and intent of the party-list system” and “deprive the electorate the opportunity to make informed choices.”

Comelec Chair George Garcia noted that the party-list group still has five days to appeal the decision before it becomes final. “They can file a motion for reconsideration so that the Commission en banc can resolve it,” he said.

The case highlights growing concerns about how some groups may be using the party-list system for political gain, rather than representing marginalized sectors. As the 2025 elections near, this ruling could push Comelec to tighten rules and ensure the system stays fair and transparent.