The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will soon start its hearing on the possible criminal case of former National Youth Commission (NYC) Head Ronald Cardema.
This after the Comelec en banc issued a subpoena last Wednesday to Cardema requiring him to personally appear before the Comelec Law Department in Intramuros, Manila, on December 13 at 10 a.m.
The Comelec Law Department directed Cardema to submit his counter affidavit and other supporting documents or affidavits of witnesses as needed regarding his material misrepresentation case.
The Comelec legal unit warned that Cardema’s failure to appear will forfeit his opportunity to present his defense before the Comelec.
“Failure on your part to comply with this subpoena shall be considered as a waiver of your right to present your defense and the case shall be considered submitted for resolution based on the evidence on record,” the Comelec Law Department said in its subpoena.
To recall, private individuals Michael Navarez, Abigail Aleli Tan, and Sean Angelo Thakur file a material misrepresentation case against Cardema, when he claimed in his Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) to become a nominee of the Duterte Youth party list that he is a qualified candidate.
This despite the Comelec en banc later disqualified Cardema to become a nominee of Duterte Youth for allegedly over age.
If proven to have committed material misrepresentation, Cardema will face criminal charges.