Comelec: Duterte Youth nominee can't use brother-in-law's surname

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) stated that Drixie Cardema, the first nominee of Duterte Youth party-list, should not have used the surname of her brother-in-law, Ronald Cardema, in her Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA).

Comelec chairperson George Garcia explained that using an in-law's surname is not legally permissible and cannot be considered a stage name.

Garcia mentioned that the Comelec law department's initial determination was that Drixie Cardema could not use her in-law's family name.

The poll body had previously canceled the registration of the Duterte Youth party-list for failing to comply with publication and hearing requirements for the 2019 polls.

The Comelec had also issued a show cause order for Drixie Mae to explain social media claims that her real surname is Suarez, not Cardema, and warned that a false declaration could constitute perjury and an election offense.