CHR urges Congress to revisit anti-dynasty law, seeks changes to electoral system

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) pushed for changes to the electoral system following the 2025 midterm polls, and urged Congress to "revisit" the law against political dynasties.

In a statement on Tuesday, the CHR praised the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for their efforts in making the polls more inclusive, including the innovation of early voting for vulnerable sectors, the smoother processing for elections in detention facilities nationwide, and stronger measures taken against vote-buying and election-related disinformation.

CHR recommended the following steps for a better experience in the next elections:

Ensure accessibility in polling centers.  The CHR pushed for better inclusivity during elections following reports of polling precincts that lacked ramps, shaded waiting areas, functioning accessible restrooms, or wheelchairs. The group recommended exclusive voting centers for vulnerable sectors located in malls or implementation of roving ballots in specific areas.

Expand voter information campaigns. The CHR said that Comelec must ensure that vulnerable voters must be fully informed of their rights and options to information.

Implement preventive measures against electoral violence. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) must implement stronger security approaches in election hotspots, the CHR said. Probes must be conducted in transparency, while suspects must be held accountable for incidents of violence.

Enacting reforms against political dynasties, enhance representation. The CHR asked Congress to revisit the Anti-Dynasty Law, and urged Comelec to support political party reforms, campaign finance regulation, expand women’s political participation programs, and publish gender-disaggregated data.

Combat disinformation and promote digital literacy. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Education, and media organization must conduct digital literacy and civic education initiatives, while social media companies must be held accountable for failure to moderate content.

Ensure health and safety of voters amid extreme weather conditions. The health and safety of vulnerable voters must be prioritized amid intensifying weather patterns through equipping shaded waiting areas, ample ventilation, hydration stations, and heat mitigation measures.

CHR noted that election violence and continued political dynasties continue to be major concerns in elections.

They also emphasized the important role of citizens in upholding electoral integrity by reporting violations and objecting to incidents of irregularities and vote-buying.

“While the 2025 elections reflect progress in participation and innovation, persistent barriers to full inclusion, safety, and informed decision-making must be addressed through sustained reforms… The CHR remains committed to working with government agencies, civil society, and communities to realize an electoral process that is fully rights-based, inclusive, and democratic,” the statement read. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News

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