Makabayan bloc files election complaint vs NTF-ELCAC chief

The Makabayan bloc filed election offense complaints with the Commission on Elections on Tuesday against National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr.

The group accused Torres of violating the anti-discrimination provisions under Comelec Resolution 11116 for Eleksyon 2025 through alleged red-tagging of progressive lawmakers.

Members of the Makabayan coalition gathered at the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila, to formally lodge their complaint and stage a protest rally condemning the alleged red-tagging.

“Nagfa-file kami ng election offense complaint sa NTF-ELCAC, specifically the executive director of NTF-ELCAC Mr. Torres, dahil na-monitor namin, mayroon kaming mga ebidensya na siya mismo ay nag-red tag kay Rep. Arlene Brosas,” said Makabayan coalition President and senatorial aspirant Liza Maza.

(We are filing an election offense complaint against the NTF-ELCAC, specifically its Executive Director Mr. Torres because we have monitored and gathered evidence showing that he personally red-tagged Rep. Arlene Brosas.)

According to Maza, Torres' actions triggered various responses, including death threats and harassment.

“Malinaw na ginagamit ni Mr. Torres ang pondo ng gobyerno… para mapakitid ang demokrasya para i-discriminate kami bilang mga aktibista na kumakandidato ngayon sa Senado at Mababang Kapulungan,” she added.

(This clearly shows that Mr. Torres is using public funds to suppress democratic participation and to discriminate against us as activists running for the Senate and House of Representatives.)

The bloc said Torres' actions constitute violations of the Omnibus Election Code and Comelec Resolution 11116, which outlines the poll body’s guidelines on anti-discrimination and fair campaigning for the upcoming elections.

The group has previously filed similar complaints over alleged red-tagging and harassment during the Eleksyon 2025 campaign period.

In March, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro submitted a letter of complaint over alleged red-tagging targeting the Makabayan bloc. Likewise, Gabriela Women’s Party also filed a complaint against the NTF-ELCAC for alleged red-tagging and gender-based harassment.

“Kami ay humihiling sa Comelec na kagyat na imbestigahan at mahinto ang ganitong klase ng red-tagging, political harassment, and discrimination against us. Matatapos na po ang kampanya at ilang linggo na lang tayo. Hindi dapat magpatuloy ang ganitong gawi na ginagawa mismo ng gobyerno,” Maza said.

(We are urging the Comelec to immediately investigate and put a stop to these acts of red-tagging, political harassment, and discrimination. The campaign period is about to end, and these government-led actions must not be allowed to continue.)

GMA Integrated News has reached out to both Comelec and the NTF-ELCAC for comment, but they have yet to respond.

Comelec Resolution 11116 classifies the labeling of individuals or groups as terrorists, dissenters, or criminals without evidence as an election offense. It also covers acts of bullying and discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, and other factors.

Additionally, Comelec recently issued Resolution 11127, amending Resolution 11116 to designate all election-related activities and platforms—including social media—as “safe spaces” for the 2025 national and local elections. The resolution further classifies child abuse, discrimination, incitement, immoral doctrines, obscene content, and racial discrimination as election offenses. — DVM, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.