Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has taken a significant step by classifying the use of foul language as an election offense, aiming to transform campaign activities into safe spaces. In Supplemental Resolution 11127, approved by the poll body's en banc, the public is now empowered to file cases for violations of Resolution 11116 before the Task Force on Safeguarding against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (Task Force Safe) for uttering foul words, particularly against women, during the campaign season.
According to Philippines News Agency, this decision follows reports of local candidates using hateful, sexist, and discriminatory remarks against women, rival candidates, and marginalized sectors during their campaign events. Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia emphasized the need for individuals to be mindful of their language and avoid offending groups or individuals. He highlighted the potential of social media as a powerful tool if used correctly, urging its use to protect individual rights rather than to insult others.
Under Section 3 of Comelec Resolution 11116, any person who engages in acts of bullying based on HIV status, coercion, discrimination against women, PWDs (Persons with Disabilities), gender-based harassment, public ridicule, or violations of anti-discrimination ordinances during the election period could face up to six years of imprisonment. Reports of such violations can be filed in person at the Task Force Safe desk in Palacio del Gobernador, Intramuros, Manila, or via the Task Force's email.
The Comelec stated that if Task Force Safe finds substantial evidence of a violation of Resolution 11116, it would issue a resolution to file a motu proprio petition for disqualification. The case may then be brought before the Comelec's Law Department.
In related news, the Comelec has issued a second show cause order against Pasig City congressional candidate Christian Sia following another alleged incident of discrimination. Sia reportedly mocked a former female staff member's physical appearance and body weight, an act deemed as "discrimination against women" and "gender-based harassment" by the poll body.
During an April 3 campaign event, Sia was quoted making derogatory comments about his former staff member, Jaja, regarding her weight. The Comelec Task Force SAFE has directed Sia to explain why he should not face charges for committing election offenses. Sia has been given a non-extendible period of three days to respond to the show cause order, failing which appropriate legal action may be taken against him.
Previously, Sia faced scrutiny for remarks about single mothers which went viral on social media. As of Monday, he has yet to respond to the initial show cause order issued by the poll body.