Comelec bans election bullying, discrimination

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued Comelec Resolution No. 11116 to prohibit discrimination and bullying against women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), people living with HIV, and labeling individuals as terrorists or criminals without evidence during the May 12 elections period from January 12 to June 11.

Examples of prohibited behavior include unwanted sexual remarks, stalking, unauthorized sharing of media without consent, impersonation online, persistent uninvited comments on a person's appearance or gender identity, and categorizing individuals as 'vocal dissenters' or subversive group members without evidence.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized that the guidelines were issued to ensure fair and non-discriminatory campaigns. Violators may face imprisonment up to six years and disqualification from holding public office under the Omnibus Election Code.

The resolution also covers acts of bullying on the basis of HIV status, coercion, discrimination against PWDs on the use of public accommodations, gender-based harassment, labeling, public ridicule against PWDs, violation of rights to religious, cultural sites, and ceremonies during the election period.