Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has stated that there is no urgency in reaching a decision on the case involving the Duterte Youth party-list, whose registration was recently cancelled by the Comelec Second Division.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized in an interview that the case remains within the jurisdiction of the poll body since the Duterte Youth has neither been proclaimed nor taken its oath. Garcia clarified that the absence of a proclamation and oath-taking means that the Comelec is not constrained by time pressures typically associated with such cases. "That is the difference," Garcia stated, "Therefore, we are not pressed for time here. Comelec will just perform our duty and regularly dispose of the case in accordance with the rules."

On Monday, the Duterte Youth filed an appeal with the Commission en banc, requesting a reversal of the Second Division's decision to cancel their registration, despite the party-list receiving over 2.3 million votes in the May 12 elections. Garcia noted that the motion for reconsideration was filed and is expected to be elevated to the Commission en banc. "According to our rules, this MR must be brought to the Commission en banc in 48 hours," he explained, adding that once the case reaches the en banc, it will be assigned to one of the Commission members.

Garcia acknowledged the possibility of different outcomes, stating, "There is a possibility that the en banc will reverse the Division's decision and there is also a possibility that the Comelec en banc will affirm the Division's decision. So, all things being fair, it could be 50-50 for or against the party-list."