MANILA — Malacañang on Sunday confirmed that National Youth Commission (NYC) chairperson Ronald Cardema has resigned, and asked him to formally vacate his post.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo explained that Cardema is considered “ipso facto resigned” after he filed the petition for substitution as first nominee of the Duterte Youth party-list.
“The petition for substitution of National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairperson Ronald Cardema as first nominee of the Duterte Youth party-list, as well as the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) confirmation that it was timely filed (May 12), connotes that he is considered ipso facto resigned from his present post,” Panelo said in a statement.
He acknowledged that Cardema’s petition has yet to be approved by the Comelec as the body is currently tackling the procedural and substantive legalities of petition.
He, however, said regardless of the Comelec’s approval or rejection, Cardema has already let go of chairing the NYC.
“Regardless of the outcome, we deem that Mr. Cardema has already abandoned his present position because his act of filing the petition absolutely reflects his intention to relinquish his office and exposes his desire to serve the government in a different capacity,” Panelo said.
He ordered Cardema to formally leave his post and turn over all documents in his possession.
“The Palace therefore requires Mr. Cardema to vacate his office forthwith and turn over all official papers, documents, and properties in his possession to the Office of the President,” Panelo said.
The President, he said, will soon appoint Cardema’s replacement.
“The President shall soon appoint a person who can advance the genuine interests and welfare of our country’s youth as the new chairperson of the NYC,” Panelo said.
Earlier, Comelec said Cardema’s application to become the substitute nominee for the Duterte Youth party-list has not been disqualified.
Cardema wanted to be substitute nominee for his wife, Ducielle Marie Suarez, as first nominee of the Duterte Youth. -PNA
