Latest news with #ResolutionNo.11116
GMA Network
3 days ago
- General
- GMA Network
SC directs Comelec to comment on NTF-ELCAC petition vs anti-discrimination reso
The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to comment on a petition filed by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) questioning the poll body's anti-discrimination resolution for Eleksyon 2025. 'Acting on the petition for Certiorai and Prohibition (With Application for the Issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order [TRO]), the Court resolved, without giving due course to the Petition, to require the respondent to comment on the Petition and prayer for TRO within ten days from notice hereof,' the high court ruling dated May 30 read. In April, the NTF-ELCAC filed a petition for certiorari with the SC challenging Comelec Resolution No. 11116, which sets the anti-discrimination guidelines for the May elections. The resolution also declared that labeling groups and individuals as terrorists, dissenters, and criminals without evidence is considered an election offense in the 2025 midterm national and local polls. According to the poll body, labeling can be defined as "the act of categorizing, classifying, labeling, branding, associating, naming, and accusing individuals, groups and/or organizations as 'vocal dissenters' and activists or subversive group sympathizers or terrorists, or belonging to a criminal group/syndicate without evidence." These acts may be committed in person, through radio or television, newspaper publication, internet, and other similar mediums. However, the government's anti-insurgency body accused Comelec of allegedly committing grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction when it declared labeling as an election offense, saying there is no law penalizing it as an offense or a criminal act. 'Moreover, the implementation of Section 3, in relation to Section 2(j), of Resolution No. 11116 would not only prejudice the NTF-ELCAC'S legitimate efforts to unmask the true identities of members, affiliates, sympathizers, and collaborators of CTGs, but it would also disempower Filipinos from exercising their constltutiona lly guaranteed freedom of expression, including their right to expose, identify, and call out communist-terrorist groups based on reliable information,' it added. With this, the NTF-ELCAC asked the Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Comelec resolution. It also wants to later declare the TRO permanent and for the SC to direct the Comelec to prohibit its implementation upon the rendering of judgement. Comelec to defend guidelines The Comelec, for its part, stood firm on its resolution, saying it is "ready" to defend its guidelines. "Discrimination has no place in a civilized society. It is outright despicable whether committed by state actors or private individuals," Comelec chairman George Garcia told GMA News Online. "It is both international and national issue. Our issuances fighting acts enumerated therein are our contribution to ensure orderly society even during an election and the basic fundamental human rights. We are ready to defend," he said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.
Filipino Times
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Comelec orders Pasay mayoral bet to explain alleged discriminatory remarks
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a show-cause order against Pasay City councilor and mayoral candidate Editha 'Wowee' Manguera over an alleged discriminatory statement made during a recent campaign activity. According to the Comelec's Task Force SAFE, Councilor Manguera was heard saying, 'Tanggalin na natin ang bumbay para wala nang amoy sibuyas na naiwan sa Pasay Gen.' 'From the context, we believe that you were referring to foreign studnets studying and interning at the Pasay City General Hospital,' the Comelec said. The remark was caught on video and has since circulated on social media, drawing public criticism and triggering a review by the Comelec. In the show-cause order dated April 15, 2025, Councilor Manguera was given three (3) days to explain in writing why she should not be charged with an election offense or disqualified from running in the May 2025 elections. The poll body considers the utterance a potential violation of Comelec Resolution No. 11116, or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines, as amended by Resolution No. 11127. These resolutions prohibit, among others, racial discrimination, incitement, and public ridicule, especially during the election period. Comelec reminded candidates that any form of exclusion or vilification based on national or ethnic origin may constitute an election offense under the Omnibus Election Code and related laws. Comelec emphasized that failure to respond will be interpreted as a waiver of her right to be heard and may result in the filing of appropriate charges.
