THE Commission on Elections (Comelec 7) has warned incumbent officials and local candidates to refrain from making discriminatory remarks during the campaign or else face disqualification.
This following several reports of candidates from other local government units (LGUs) making discriminatory remarks and highly offensive jokes to entertain the crowd during their campaign sorties.
Comelec 7 Director Francisco Pobe explained on Monday, April 7, 2025, that making discriminatory and derogatory remarks during the candidates’ campaign sorties is a violation of Comelec Resolution 11116, or the Anti-Labeling resolution.
The resolution primarily prohibits accusing or labeling groups and individuals as terrorists, dissenters and criminals even without evidence. It also prohibits any act of bullying and discrimination regarding gender, ethnicity, age, religion and disabilities, among others.
The resolution established guidelines for fair campaigning to uphold respect and equality among all individuals.
“We appeal to all our officials and candidates to avoid statements during the campaign that damage reputations or demean social sectors for political gain,” said Pobe in Cebuano.
Instead, he urged candidates to speak about their platforms during campaign rallies and propose concrete solutions to solve perennial concerns in the community, rather than engage in personal attacks against their opponents.
“Let’s focus on relevant issues to convince voters we deserve to represent them,” said Pobe.
Complaint
In case a candidate makes discriminatory remarks or comments during their public speeches and rallies, Pobe urged the public to write a complaint to the nearest Comelec office so that a full investigation can be conducted.
He said the complaint can also be raised before the Comelec Central Office in Metro Manila.
He said election office can also initiate its own investigation, using various information posted on social media which can be made the basis of a show cause order against the candidate.
“The Comelec has the power ‘motu proprio’ to issue a show cause order as to why it should not impose an administrative or any other actions against the qualification of any candidate for his candidacy,” said Pobe.
On Monday, April 7, 2025 the Comelec Central Office issued a show cause order against Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia, who is seeking re-election, to explain his discriminatory remarks on women and Moro people.
Earlier, Christian Sia, a congressional candidate from Pasig City, was also issued a show cause order by Comelec after he
went viral on social media for a sexually charged joke about single mothers.
Meanwhile, Pobe reminded all candidates and politicians that they are barred from attending any cash aid distributions during the election season. They are not even allowed to be seen at the venue of these disbursement activities.
Also prohibited is the posting of the candidates’ campaign materials at the distribution venue. Violations tantamount to “electioneering,” an election offense punishable by disqualification. / EHP