THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, May 30, 2025, accused the Duterte Youth party-list of engaging in forum shopping after filing opposition to the confirmation of Commissioners Noli Pipo and Norina Casingal by the Commission on Appointments (CA).
In a statement, Comelec Spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said they view the opposition of Duterte Youth as "forum shopping" as they already have a pending case before the Supreme Court (SC) regarding the suspension of their proclamation as a winning party-list group.
"Since a case has been already filed before the Honorable Supreme Court, Duterte Youth's letter to the Commission on Appointments constitutes as a gamble to seek favorable judgment and, therefore, forum shopping is now in effect," said Laudiangco.
The Duterte Youth earlier urged the CA to defer its confirmation of Pipo and Casingal after the two signed the resolution suspending the proclamation of the Duterte Youth party-list.
Duterte Youth said the act of signing the resolution to delay their proclamation despite having an overwhelming mandate from the people gives the CA "a glimpse on what these commissioners will do if they are confirmed."
Prior to the filing of opposition, Duterte Youth also filed a petition before the Supreme Court asking the latter to lift the suspension of his group's proclamation as a winning party-list.
Duterte Youth accused the Comelec of committing grave abuse of discretion when it ordered the suspension of its proclamation.
The poll body said the acts of Pipo and Casingal cannot be considered grave abuse of discretion as they performed their duties with ample basis.
"Their decision to approve and sign the order of suspension of proclamation of the Duterte Youth party-list is largely based on the recommendation of the supervisory committee and is well within their authority and capacity as Comelec commissioners," he said.
"This, per se, is not a serious and grave abuse of discretion on their part as they have to ultimately decide on this matter based on the petition for disqualification filed before the Commission on Elections," added Laudiangco.
Pipo and Casingal were appointed as poll commissioners in February 2025.
The two are expected to face the Commission on Appointments next week. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)