CHR frowns at campaigns with red-tagging and sexist remarks in campaigns

SEXIST remarks. Red-tagging. Fake News or Deep Fakes.

These are just a few of the concerns of the Commission on Human Rights as the campaign for the 2025 #BotoNgKabataan is getting as hot as the dry season.

According to the CHR, there is an increasing increase of such electoral offenses.

They said that there are many deep fakes used for red-tagging as well as the spread of misinformation.

They are being used to link some candidates to the New People’s Army. 

According to the commission they had received reports where there were sample photos of some candidates’ tarpaulins posted in public, which would even include statements against progressive and activist groups.

“The CHR strongly reminds the public, political candidates, and incumbent officials that red-tagging endangers a person’s rights to life, liberty, and security. Such acts undermine individual dignity and erode the very pillars of democratic engagement,” it said.

But they expressed alarm over the congressional candidate’s alleged sexist remarks about women during a campaign event in Pasig City.

“The Commission affirms that such behavior constitutes a violation of the Magna Carta of Women, and calls on the COMELEC to adopt a Code of Conduct for all electoral candidates,” it said.

“The Commission also takes this opportunity to remind both the public and candidates to ensure that electoral discourse remains inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, misogyny, and hate. Ultimately, Filipinos deserve a campaign environment that fosters informed, meaningful, and respectful conversations—allowing voters to choose their leaders wisely and freely,” the CHR added.

Lawyer Christian Sia, who is running for representative of the lone district of Pasig City, drew flak over his joke at a recent campaign rally that female solo parents may sleep with him once a year. 

The Comelec has already issued a show cause order against Sia, asking him to explain why he should not be filed with an election offense or disqualification for violating Comelec Resolution No. 1116.

Sia had already apologized for the incident citing it was a joke and that the video was cut abruptly to make him look like a sexist

Read More:

• New grads had difficulty landing jobs amid pandemic  ​— CHR
• Commentator fired for sexist remark at Paris Olympics
• DECODE: Bastos troller ka ba? Read about this law
• The right to vote: an equalizer the right of every Filipino
• The 50 New Plaridels: Student journalists fighting for truth on second National Press Freedom Day