Comelec vows to finish anti-discrimination cases before May 12 polls
Commission on Elections Chair George Erwin Garcia. Inquirer photo/Jesus Niño Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday vowed to resolve all anti-discrimination cases against candidates before the May 2025 elections.
This came after the poll body’s Task Force Safe issued show cause orders to five local candidates for their remarks that may have violated the Comelec Resolution No. 11116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for the 2025 elections.
“Comelec’s commitment is to do everything to decide [on the cases] on time before the elections, so there will be no doubts cast on the candidates and voters,” said Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia in Filipino.
READ: Comelec issues show cause order vs Nueva Ecija bet over cancer remark
When asked what the poll body will do if there is no decision yet after the candidate wins the election, Garcia said that the election offense continues to build up, regardless of the position involved.
“The [decision on] disqualification may differ because the jurisdiction changes depending on the national position. The Comelec might lose its jurisdiction,” Garcia noted.
Comelec may lose jurisdiction
Garcia earlier explained that the Comelec loses its jurisdiction over its cases after the proclamation of election winners.
The poll body’s anti-discrimination panel has asked Pasig congressional bet Christian Sia twice to explain his sexual jokes toward single mothers and his remarks on the physical appearance of his female assistant.
Two show cause orders were issued against re-electionists Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia for his remarks on “ugly” nurses and Moro people, and Batangas gubernatorial candidate Jay Ilagan for his utterance against opponent Vilma Santos over her advanced age.
Davao de Oro 2nd District Representative Ruwel Peter Gonzaga was also issued a show cause order on Wednesday over remarks on a widow while and Nueva Ecija gubernatorial candidate Virgilio Bote was asked to explain what appears to be his mockery on his ally’s cancer-stricken rival.
READ: Comelec declares election-related activities, venues as ‘safe spaces’
The Comelec resolution, promulgated last February 19, stated that no discrimination shall be acted against cause-oriented groups and organizations. That includes people that are part of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) community, indigenous peoples, persons living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), persons with disability, and women.
The poll body also released its supplemental resolution, declaring all election activities and venues as “safe spaces” and foul language as an election offense.
