Ex-NYC Exec Dingdong Dantes speaks out on the Cardema issue

Dingdong Dantes, ex-commissioner of the National Youth Commission, took to social media to air out his thoughts on the current issue of NYC Chief Ronald Cardema filing a petition for substitution.

“Clearly, if the petition will be granted, parang na-railroad ang democratic process of choosing the rightful representative,” Dantes began.

Cardema, who was appointed NYC Commissioner in August 2017, filed to replace his wife, Ducielle Suarez, as the first nominee of the Duterte Youth party-list, which has scored 346, 314 votes according to partial and unofficial results as of 3:09 pm Sunday, May 19.

On Thursday, Comelec said it will not entertain Cardema’s petition for substitution as the period for filing had lapsed.

But on Saturday, Comelec clarified the bid for substitution was still up for the poll body’s resolution as the filing for petition was dated May 12, instead of May 16 as earlier reported.

On Sunday, Malacanang ordered Cardema to vacate his post as NYC Chair, even as Comelec has yet to release a decision on his substitution bid.

“Kung may balak siyang maging Congressman noong una pa lang, nararapat lang na nag-resign siya bilang NYC Chairman,” Dantes continued. “Pwede bang nagising na lang siya isang araw at nag-decide na trip niya? Maaari kasing nagamit ang ahensya upang magkaroon siya ng unfair advantages noong kampanya. Malinaw din naman ang batas kontra partylist na tumatanggap ng kahit anong support o may koneksyon sa gobyerno.”

According to Dantes, because the National Youth Commission’ is the voice and the biggest advocate of Filipino Youth, it should not be tainted with politics.

“Nakakalungkot na bilang pangunhaing representate ng kabataan ay lumalabas na nakikisali siya sa pagabuso at pag-circumvent sa Party-List system. Gusto man nating isipin na totoo ang kanyang hangarin, marami siyang dapat ipaliwanag kung paanong nag-withdraw lahat ng nominado ng kanilang Party List at sa biglaan niyang pagpasok bilang substitute ng kaniyang asawa na siyang number one nominee. Eto ba ang values na gusto natin ituro sa mga kabataan?”

Ending his note, Dantes addressed Cardema: “If you really want to serve the young people, you are already in the best position to do so.”

— LA, GMA News