The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) welcomes the long-overdue decision of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to disqualify the Duterte Youth partylist. This development is a victory for the democratic aspirations of the Filipino people and a step forward in upholding the integrity of the partylist system, which was originally intended to give voice to marginalized and underrepresented sectors—not to serve as a backdoor for traditional politicians and political opportunists.

The Duterte Youth partylist was disqualified due to multiple violations of election laws and partylist rules, mainly failing to comply with the proper registration and accreditation requirements, including the timely submission of its list of nominees, which undermined the credibility of its supposed mandate. The violation also included its failure to validly substitute nominees within the period required by law, particularly the controversial last-minute substitution of its top nominee, Ronald Cardema, who was overaged and ineligible to represent the youth sector under the Party-List System Act (RA 7941). COMELEC had earlier ruled that Cardema was not qualified to be a youth sector representative, as he was already 34 years old at the time of filing, beyond the age limit of 30.

“Ang kaselasyon sa pagkarehistro ng Duterte Youth ay malinaw na patunay na kayang manaig ng mamamayan laban sa pandaraya at manipulasyon,” said KMP Chairperson Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos. “Hindi kailanman tunay na kinatawan ng kabataan ang Duterte Youth, lalong hindi ng mga inaapi katulad ng mga magsasaka. Itinatag ito upang pagsilbihan ang interes ng paksyong Duterte at ang militaristang adyenda nito at walang pananagutang pag-abuso sa kapangyarihan.”

In light of this decision, we urge COMELEC to act with fairness and urgency by confirming the seat of Gabriela Women’s Party—an organization that has consistently and clearly represented the interests of women, especially peasant women and rural communities. Gabriela has a proven track record of legislative advocacy, grassroots work, and principled leadership, and its rightful representation in Congress must not be denied any longer.

“Ngayong nakahabol na sa kanila ang katarungan, nananawagan kami sa COMELEC na itama ang isa pang inhustisya sa pamamagitan ng pagkumpirma sa puwesto ng Gabriela Women’s Party—isang lehitimong tinig ng kababaihan at magbubukid”, added Ramos.

We call on COMELEC to restore the remaining crumbs of credibility to the partylist system by ensuring that it serves its intended purpose: to uplift and amplify the voices of the people, not suppress them. The seat vacated by Duterte Youth must be awarded to a legitimate partylist like Gabriela, which has long stood alongside farmers, workers, women, and the poor in the struggle for genuine social change.