Comelec to Duterte Youth Nominee: Explain use of different surname

The law department of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to issue a motu proprio show-cause order (SCO) against the first nominee of the Duterte Youth for allegedly using a different surname on her Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination (CONA) for Eleksyon 2025. 

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the Law Department will direct Drixie Mae Cardema to answer allegations that she used a different family name for her CONA.

Reports on social media alleged that the full name of the Duterte Youth nominee was Drixie Mae Suarez and not Cardema. 

“Ang Law Department namin ay kumilos na sa allegations and any moment from now, ang nominee ng Duterte Youth ay maaaring makatanggap ng SCO dahil sa allegations ng paggamit ng ibang family name,” Garcia said.

(The Comelec Law Department is now taking action and the DY nominee may receive the SCO.)

“Maganda yun para kahit paano mapasagot ang naturang first nominee dahil napaka-unfair din naman sa kanya na inaakusahan sya ng kung ano-ano sa social media,” he said. 

(This will give the nominee a chance to explain the accusations against her.)

Garcia clarified the case will not affect Drixie’s nomination and possible proclamation as no formal petition was filed for the cancellation of her nomination. 

“Ang isang kandidato pag nag-submit sa Comelec, ang lahat ng sina-submit nya katulad ng certificate of candidacy ay under oath. Pinanumpaan yan at therefore, kapag hindi ka nagsabi ng totoo, perjury yan and election offense. Kaya gusto natin alamin din, kaya ang kumikilos ng motu proprio ay ang Law Department,” he said.

(When candidates submit their candidacies, their documents are submitted under oath. Therefore, lying on these documents may be considered perjury or an election offense. That's why there is an investigation.)

“Technically, wala pong effect whatsoever sa nomination ng naturang number one nominee,” he added. 

(Technically, this will not affect her nomination.)

It can be recalled that the Duterte Youth ranked second in the party-list race for Eleksyon 2025, garnering 2.3 million votes. However, the Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, postponed their proclamation due to their pending cases. —LDF, GMA Integrated News