POLL watchdog Kontra Daya insisted Thursday, February 21, that National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairman Ronald Cardema must quit his post or, at least, take a leave of absence.
The call, however, is not due to Cardema's controversial statement concerning government scholars but because of his links to party-list group, Duterte Youth.
Kontra Daya, in a statement, said Cardema must immediately leave his post or resign from his NYC post as this gives the party-list undue advantage in the forthcoming May 13 polls.
“He cannot hold on to his government position and ignore the glaring controversy,” it said.
The group noted how Cardema is actually the chair of Duterte Youth, while its first nominee, Ducielle Marie Suarez, is the former’s wife.
It added that Duterte Youth’s fifth nominee is found to be Elizabeth Anne Cardema.
“Is Duterte Youth really representing the interest of the youth or just the Cardema family considering that its chair and two nominees are all related?” the group asked.
“Doesn’t this pose a conflict of interest given his position in government?” it added.
In leaving his post, the group said Cardema can show that he is not excessively holding on to his post.
“Aside from projecting some delicadeza, this is one way he can assuage suspicion of abuse of power and authority,” said Kontra Daya.
“Cardema should be reminded that the use of government funds and resources is a clear violation of the Omnibus Election Code,” added the group.
Kontra Daya’s statement came on the heel of Cardema's call to strip government scholars with their scholarships if they are openly opposing the Duterte administration.
Cardema’s proposal immediately drew flak both from administration allies and the opposition, with many even calling for his resignation.
Cardema has already thumbed down such calls for resignation, saying his statement was just misinterpreted. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)