Comelec declares discrimination as election offense

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially declared discrimination against women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and individuals with HIV as an election offense, effective for the upcoming May 12 elections.

This new directive is outlined in Comelec Resolution No. 11116, which establishes anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines for the electoral period.

The resolution specifically prohibits acts such as bullying based on HIV status, coercion, gender-based harassment, labeling, public ridicule of PWDs, and vilification.

It also covers violations of anti-discrimination ordinances and the rights pertaining to religious or cultural sites and ceremonies.

These provisions apply to all national and local candidates participating in the 2025 elections, during the established election period which runs from January 12 to June 11.

Bullying, including online harassment and name-calling, targeting people living with HIV is explicitly forbidden in any election-related activity.