House Bill aims to disqualify candidates for misogynistic acts

A House bill filed Tuesday seeks to amend the Omnibus Election Code to include misogynistic acts and remarks as grounds for disqualification of candidates from holding or running for public office.

Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas introduced House Bill No. 11498, which aims to uphold ethical leadership by promoting a political campaign culture grounded in respect for women and the LGBTQIA+ community.

The bill proposes amendments to Sections 68 and 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, defining election offenses to include public degradation, ridicule, and harassment of women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community during campaign-related activities.

Brosas cited recent incidents such as Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia's sexually charged remarks about single mothers and Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia’s comments on nursing scholarships for beautiful women, emphasizing that candidates who use their platform to spread discrimination must be held accountable.

The bill is a step toward ensuring equality, inclusivity, and human dignity in political campaigns, discouraging the use of platforms to perpetuate discrimination.