Comelec declares election-related activities, venues as ‘safe spaces’

The Commission on Elections declares all election-related activities and venues as `safe spaces.’ File photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has declared that all election-related activities and venues for the 2025 elections are now considered as “safe spaces” as a response to controversial remarks of some local candidates.

The poll body on Tuesday released Comelec Resolution No. 11127, a supplemental resolution to Comelec Resolution No. 1116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for the May 2025 elections.

“All election-related activities and platforms including but not limited to campaign rallies, caucuses, polling places, precincts, canvassing centers, and online election-related platforms including social media are hereby declared as safe spaces,” the supplemental resolution read.

It added that the “Commission shall promote the use of gender-fair language and etiquette in all election-related activities.”

READ: Women’s group seeks SC sanction vs Pasig bet

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Tuesday said that the use of foul language is now considered an election offense.

“This is a response to lewd jokes and unnecessary use of languages, especially on the use of other groups to degrade their identities,” Garcia, speaking in Filipino, told reporters in an interview.

Foul language

Further, when asked what constitutes a safe space for the elections, Garcia said that this includes prohibiting use of foul language and discriminatory remarks against women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors.

“‘Use of foul language is prohibited, avoid them. We will also prevent discrimination against women, PWD, elderly, and other vulnerable sectors. The stage should not be used [for that]. And in fact, we are saying to avoid campaign jingles with double meaning,” Garcia noted.

The poll body has issued show cause order twice to Pasig congressional bet lawyer Christian Sia to explain his remarks about his female assistant’s physical appearance and his lewd jokes towards “menstruating” single mothers.

READ: Comelec orders Misamis Oriental gov to explain sexist, racist remarks

The Comelec has also asked Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia to explain his remarks that localities will be risked being dominated by Maranaos if his slate and allies did not win the elections. He also said that the provincial government’s nursing scholarship is only for beautiful women and unattractive nurses can worsen a patient’s condition.

Garcia said that proper usage of social media is important not to destroy one’s reputation but to uplift and protect the rights of everyone.

“The discourse whenever we go on stage should be elevated higher. Because children watch and believe in us, and they may think that it’s right when they grow up,” Garcia noted.

Election offense

Garcia then warned that the supplemental resolution contains more specific guidelines on anti-discrimination and fair campaigning for the 2025 elections. He said that safe spaces and election offenses are more defined.

The supplemental resolution states that the following acts shall be liable as election offense during the election period:

• Acts of bullying on the basis of HIV [human immunodeficiency virus] status;
• Child abuse
• Coercion
• Discrimination
• Discrimination against women;
• Discrimination against PWDs on the use of public accommodations;
• Gender-based harassment;
• Immoral doctrines;
• Obscene publications;
• Exhibitions and indecent shows incitement
• Labeling;
• Public ridicule against PWDs
• Racial discrimination
• Vilification of PWDs
• Violation of anti-discrimination ordinance
• Violation of rights to religious, cultural sites and ceremonies

Comelec noted that the acts “shall be liable for an election offense pursuant to Section 13 of RA [Republic Act] 9006 and Section 261 (e) of the OEC [Omnibus Election Code] and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.”

The poll body also said that reports of prohibited acts shall be submitted in person to the Task Force SAFE desk located at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila or through email at [email protected].

Such reports must contain “detailed information and specific prohibited act/s committed, the person who committed such prohibited act/s and supporting evidence, if available.”