The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed significant concern on Saturday regarding the increasing number of election-related violations as the May 2025 elections approach. This includes incidents of red-tagging and inappropriate comments made during campaign events.
The CHR also highlighted the misuse of deep fake technology to disseminate misinformation, particularly materials that falsely link certain candidates to the New People’s Army. The commission reported receiving images of campaign tarpaulins displayed in public areas that contained anti-activist messages aimed at progressive groups.
“The CHR strongly reminds the public, political candidates, and current officials that red-tagging poses a threat to an individual’s rights to life, liberty, and security. Such actions undermine personal dignity and weaken the foundations of democratic participation,” the commission stated.
Additionally, the CHR referenced a video circulating online in which a congressional candidate in Pasig City made sexist remarks about women during a campaign event.
“The Commission asserts that this behavior violates the Magna Carta of Women and urges the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to implement a Code of Conduct for all electoral candidates,” it added.
The CHR called on relevant agencies, especially COMELEC, to take “swift and appropriate action” to investigate these occurrences. It also stressed the importance of upholding human rights, gender sensitivity, and ethical conduct in political campaigns.
“The Commission takes this opportunity to remind both the public and candidates to ensure that electoral discussions are inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, misogyny, and hate. Ultimately, Filipinos deserve a campaign environment that encourages informed, meaningful, and respectful dialogue, enabling voters to make wise and free choices in selecting their leaders,” the CHR concluded. (ZIA LUNA)
