Legal Cooperation Cluster Press Statement

January 21, 2026

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) welcomes the resumption of hearings before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the Petition for Cancellation of Registration filed against Kabataan Party-List, docketed as Republic of the Philippines, represented by the NTF-ELCAC v. Kabataan Party-List, SPP No. 21-289.

After more than two years since the proceedings were last actively heard, the presentation of the Republic’s first witnesses marks a significant and long-awaited development in the case. The continuation of the hearing allows the parties to finally present evidence and moves the case forward.

During the hearing, the Republic presented Alma Gabin, Jade Cinco, and Jason Rafales, all former rebels of the CPP-NPA-NDF who previously held positions within Kabataan Party-List. Based on their personal knowledge and firsthand involvement, the witnesses testified on the organizational links between Kabataan Party-List and the CPP-NPA-NDF, including how the Kabataan Party-List served as a platform for recruiting and radicalizing young people, who were later drawn into the underground movement.

The NTF-ELCAC emphasizes that the petition is a lawful and evidence-based action intended to protect the integrity of the party-list system. It is not directed against youth participation or legitimate activism, but against the alleged misuse of the party-list system by organizations linked to armed rebellion.

The NTF-ELCAC will continue to present its evidence before the COMELEC, fully committed to due process and the rule of law.