Comelec: Labeling others as terrorists, dissenters an election offense

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a resolution declaring that labeling groups and individuals as terrorists, dissenters, and criminals without evidence is an election offense in the 2025 midterm national and local polls.

Comelec Resolution 11116 provided the same for acts of bullying and discrimination, covering gender, ethnicity, age, religion, and disabilities, among others.

The poll body defines labeling as "the act of categorizing, classifying, labeling, branding, associating, naming, and accusing individuals, groups and/or organizations as 'vocal dissenters' and activists or subversive group sympathizers or terrorists, or belonging to a criminal group/syndicate without evidence."

These acts may be committed in person, through radio or television, newspaper publication, internet, and other similar mediums.

Further, the resolution states that anyone who commits bullying on the basis of HIV status, coercion, discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWD) on the use of public accomodations, gender-based harassment, labeling, public ridicule against PWDs, violation of the anti-discrimination ordinance, and/or violation of rights to religious, cultural sites, and ceremonies during the election period "shall be liable for an election offense."

The election period is from January 12, 2025 to June 11, 2025.

"The Commission shall endeavor to forge partnerships with cause-oriented groups and organizations to implement projects and help educate the voters, including candidates and political parties, on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including gender sensitivity, during the elections," the resolution read.

The resolution was promulgated on February 19.

Comelec said the resolution will take effect on the seventh day after its publication in two daily newspapers of general circulation in the country.

Election Day is on Monday, May 12. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

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