The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over the rising number of electoral offenses, particularly incidents of red-tagging and a recent case involving a Congressional candidate making sexist remarks during a campaign event.

The CHR notes with alarm that cases of alleged red-tagging have now involved the use of deepfakes to spread disinformation, linking certain candidates and groups to the New People’s Army. Reports have also captured sample photos of the candidates’ tarpaulins being posted in public which include messages against progressive and activist groups.

It is worth emphasizing that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently issued Resolution No. 11116, which explicitly prohibits acts of vilification, labeling, or guilt by association—recognized as election offenses, as grounded in the Supreme Court’s ruling in Deduro v. Vinoya.[1][2]

The CHR strongly reminds the public, political candidates, and incumbent officials that red-tagging endangers a person’s rights to life, liberty, and security. Such acts undermine individual dignity and erode the very pillars of democratic engagement.

As the country’s Gender Ombud, the CHR is also deeply alarmed by a video circulating online showing a Congressional candidate making sexist remarks about women during a campaign event in Pasig City.

COMELEC Resolution No. 11116 further underscores that any act of discrimination—whether based on HIV status, gender, or disability—shall be met with accountability. This includes discrimination against women, gender-based harassment, harmful labeling, and violations of anti-discrimination ordinances.

The Commission affirms that such behavior constitutes a violation of the Magna Carta of Women, and calls on the COMELEC to adopt a Code of Conduct for all electoral candidates.

In this light, the CHR reiterates its call against practices that demean, objectify, or use women and their bodies as objects of entertainment or tools for political mudslinging during campaign activities.

The CHR urges relevant authorities, particularly COMELEC, to take swift and appropriate action in investigating these cases, and to reinforce the importance of upholding human rights, gender sensitivity, and ethical conduct in political campaigns. All such efforts must strictly observe due process while safeguarding free speech and the democratic rights of online users.

The Commission also takes this opportunity to remind both the public and candidates to ensure that electoral discourse remains inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, misogyny, and hate. Ultimately, Filipinos deserve a campaign environment that fosters informed, meaningful, and respectful conversations—allowing voters to choose their leaders wisely and freely.

Patuloy ang ating panawagan—sama-sama nating isulong ang isang payapa, patas, at makataong #Eleksyon2025. ###

[1] Commission on Elections Resolution No. 11116, Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for Purposes of the 12 May 2025 National, Local, and BARMM Parliamentary Elections, 19 February 2025

[2] G.R. No. 254753, Siegfred D. Deduro Vs. Maj. Gen. Eric C. Vinoya, in his capacity as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, 04 July 2023