Makabayan bloc welcomes Comelec's commitment vs. red-tagging

The Makabayan bloc announced its senatorial slate for the 2025 midterm elections at Liwasang Bonifacio during the observance of National Heroes Day on August 26, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- The Makabayan coalition on Tuesday welcomed the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) commitment to issue specific guidelines against red-tagging during elections, saying this marks “a historic first for the poll body in protecting candidates and parties from political harassment and discrimination".

Comelec chairman George Garcia made the commitment during his dialogue with members of the Makabayan coalition who raised concerns on the poll body’s guidelines on social media use.

 “We will be awaiting such guidelines. Sana sa election na ito mawala na ang red-tagging at kung ano-anong mga maling impormasyon na nagiging disbentahe sa aming progresibo[ng hanay] na nag-aalay ng mga alternatibong programa at patakaran,” Makabayan president and senatorial aspirant Liza Maza told reporters.

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 The Makabayan members also welcomed the poll body’s decision to no longer require private individuals who are supporters of candidates to register their private or fan accounts under the poll body’s guidelines on social media use. 

Only political parties and candidates will be required to register.

“We welcome 'yung decision ng Comelec… Matitiyak natin na 'yung mga private social media users natin ay patuloy na makakapagkampanya, suporta sa kanilang mga kandidato,” senatorial aspirant Teddy Casiño told reporters. “This is already a positive development for the right to free expression para sa darating na halalan.” 

ACT Teachers Rep. and senatorial candidate France Castro meanwhile emphasized the need to protect freedom of speech -- even amid elections.

“Mahalaga din kasi na mai-point out natin ang kahalagahan ng basic right ng freedom of speech na walang curtailing ng freedom of speech ng ating mamamayan," she stressed.

 Gabriela’s Sarah Elago said the group will launch a “bawal bastos” campaign to fight harassment of women candidates as she welcomed the forthcoming guidelines against red tagging.

Makabayan Coalition unveils 2025 Senate slate