MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has introduced stringent measures to penalize any acts of bullying or discrimination against candidates and their supporters during the upcoming election campaigns. This decision was formalized in Resolution 11116, which was released on Wednesday, highlighting that such actions during the campaign period are not only violations but could also be classified as election offenses.
The resolution specifies that any form of bullying or discrimination, whether direct or indirect, based on factors such as HIV status, gender, disability, or violations of rights related to religious and cultural practices, will be met with legal action. This is in accordance with Section 13 of RA 9006 and Section 261 (e) of the Omnibus Election Code, along with other relevant laws.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized the importance of these guidelines in ensuring a fair and non-discriminatory campaign environment. He stated that violations of the anti-discrimination resolution would be treated as election offenses, and the commission would not hesitate to take legal action, including disqualification of the offenders.
Garcia made these remarks during the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Parole and Probation Administration, and National Commission of Senior Citizens at the Comelec’s main office in Intramuros, Manila.
The campaign period for national positions commenced on February 11, while local candidates will begin their campaigns on March 28. The campaign period is set to conclude on May 10.
Garcia also noted that the issuance of this resolution is within the scope of the commission’s enforcement powers, underscoring the necessity of setting appropriate policies to address these issues. He encouraged the public to actively report any violations rather than waiting for the commission to initiate cases on its own.