The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that it will file a disqualification case against any candidate violating Comelec Resolution No. 11116, which contain anti-discrimination guidelines. The guidelines also apply to supporters who disrespect candidates publicly, on social media and in television or radio broadcasts.
Promulgated a week after the start of the campaign period on February 11, and applying only to the 2025 national and local elections and for the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the resolution states (in Section 3) that any discriminatory act, committed either in person or through any media platforms, is liable for an election offense.
These acts include:
- Physical, psychological and emotional threats
- Unwanted sexual, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist remarks (whether publicly or through private communication)
- Catcalling, wolf-whistling, unwanted comments and gestures on a person’s appearance, gender orientation, gender identity and lewd sexual actions
- Accusing people, groups and activists of being communist rebels, terrorists or criminals without evidence
- Discrimination based on HIV status, against women, and against persons with disabilities
- Gender-based harassment
- Violation of religious and cultural rights
“During the election period, any person who, directly or indirectly, commits acts of bullying on the basis of HIV status, coercion, discrimination against women, discrimination against PWDs on the use of public accommodations, gender-based harassment, labeling, public ridicule against PWDs, vilification of PWDs, violation of an anti-discrimination ordinance, and/or violation of rights to religious, cultural sites and ceremonies…. shall be liable for an election offense,” the resolution reads in part.
The resolution only applies from January 12 to June 11.
Based on the Omnibus Election Code, people found guilty of an election offense may face imprisonment of up to six years, and may be barred from holding public office.
