MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has designated the use of foul language as an electoral violation, as part of its initiative to establish campaign activities as safe environments.
In Supplemental Resolution 11127, which was ratified by the Commission en banc, the public is now permitted to lodge complaints regarding breaches of Resolution 11116 with the Task Force on Safeguarding against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (Task Force Safe) for the use of inappropriate language directed at anyone, particularly women, during the campaign period.
Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the new directive came in the wake of reports of local candidates’ use of hateful, sexist, and discriminatory remarks against women, rival bets, and some marginalized sectors in their campaign sorties.
“This is in response to what has been coming out lately that in our opinion is vulgar and the use of languages that are not necessary, especially when it is used by other groups of people to insult or degrade their character,” Garcia said.
Garcia added that people should be mindful of their pronouncements and refrain from uttering words that may offend individuals and groups.
“Social media is very powerful if it is used correctly. I hope we can use it correctly so that we can at least help prevent them from buying votes or insulting others,” Garcia said. “I hope we can use social media not to destroy others but to protect the rights of each person.”
Under Section 3 of Comelec Resolution 11116, during an election period, any person who, directly or indirectly, commits acts of bullying based on HIV status, coercion, discrimination against women, discrimination against PWDs (Persons with Disabilities) 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 right to religious, cultural sites and ceremonies pursuant to Section 13 of Republic Act 9006 (RA 9005) and Section 261, (e) of the OEC (Omnibus Election Code) and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations, will be meted with up to six years imprisonment.
It was noted that individuals can submit reports of potential violations either in person at the Task Force Safe desk situated at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, or via email at taskforcesafe@comelec.gov.ph.
The electoral body indicated that if the Task Force Safe finds sufficient evidence indicating a breach of Resolution 11116, it will issue a resolution to initiate a motu proprio petition for disqualification under Section 8. This case may then be presented to the Law Department of the Comelec./PN
