Duterte Youth nominees could face raps — lawyer

MANILA, Philippines — The nominees of Duterte Youth who backed out allegedly to give way to National Youth Commission (NYC) chair Ronald Cardema may face a criminal case, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said yesterday.

Macalintal noted that the move of the nominees violated Article 234 of the Revised Penal Code, which states that it is unlawful “for any person who, having been elected by popular election to a public office, shall refuse without legal motive to be sworn in or to discharge the duties of said office.”

“This means that the Duterte Youth nominees who are probable winners in the last polls should first take their oath and assume office as representatives and thereafter, if they still desire, may resign,” he added. 

He said their replacement should “follow the line of succession as listed in its list of nominees in their Manifestation to Participate in the Party List System.”