Kabataan Rep. Manuel, NYC's Cardema get into heated argument over youth issues

Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel and National Youth Commission Chair Ronald Cardema got into a heated argument about youth issues during Saturday's Pandesal Forum.

During the forum, Manuel called Cardema "bastos" or rude for gatecrashing the forum at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City.

"Nandito tayo ngayon para ipahayag ang mga saloobin ng kabataan pero merong nang gate crash dito,” said Manuel.

Earlier in the forum, Manuel called on the NYC Chair to resign due to alleged corrupt practices and mismanagement of funds in the commission.

Cardena, who was not invited, stormed into the middle of the forum to deny the allegations.

“Kayo lang nagsabing kurakot ang NYC,” said Cardema.

He also talked about the alleged recruitment of youth into the NPA, which for him, was the main problem faced by the Filipino youth.

“Ang number one na problema ng kabataang Pilipino sa aking palagay ay yung nire-recruit ang kabataang Pilipino papunta sa NPA. Para pumatay ng pulis, sundalo… mga kabataan na nire-recruit para labanan ang gobyerno,” said Cardema.

“Bakit sa dami ng nire-recruit na NPA kabataang Pilipino 'di kinokondenang deretcho ng Kabataan party?” he asked.

“This is an example of how a government official does not understand the reality of rebellion in our country. Dapat magpaturo po siya sa mga academicians tungkol sa rebellion,” Manuel rebutted.

“Dapat po pinagiiba natin yung terrosismo. Iba po ‘yan sa rebellion at iba rin po iyon sa aktibismo,” he added.

The hour-long debate between the two youth representatives ended with a handshake. — DVM, GMA News