Nelson Morales

'Dapat hindi discriminatory': Comelec monitoring campaign remarks of Antipolo candidates for special polls

Article (news)

Job Manahan

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177321095200020250519-comelec-george-garcia-JC4251.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia at a press briefing on May 19, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia at a press briefing on May 19, 2025. <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Wednesday it is monitoring speeches and remarks made by candidates for Antipolo 2nd district representative, saying this should abide by their safe spaces and non-discrimination policies.</p><p>In a chance interview with reporters, Comelec Chairman George Garcia reminded candidates that the poll body’s rules cover even those statements posted on social media.</p><p>&quot;Ngayon mino-monitor natin ang anti-discrimination and safe space policy na pinapatupad ni Comelec, baka may magba-violate,&quot; Garcia said.</p><p>The Comelec <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/4/8/comelec-declares-election-campaign-areas-safe-space-1929">last year defined election offenses</a> that include child abuse, discrimination, incitement, immoral doctrines, obscene publications, exhibitions and indecent shows, and racial discrimination.</p><p>Garcia previously said that under safe spaces law, the use of foul language by candidates and their supporters are strictly prohibited, noting that they disqualified candidates in the past who violated these rules.</p><p>&quot;Napakadami (candidates) dahil lang sa anti-discrimination statements nila, ginagamit ang entablado para atakihin ang mga kalaban, atakihin ang mga nanonood o kaya naman mga supporters ng kalaban nila lalo na kung ang pag-uusapan ay ang pisikal, mental, religious na paniniwala ng mga ibang tao,&quot; he said.</p><p>&quot;Dapat igalang natin, hindi dapat gagamitin ang entablado para ipahiya o kaya naman ay i-discriminate ang kahit na sino. Dapat ang entablado ay mag-discuss tayo ng mga prinsipyo at patakaran, panukala natin para sa igaganda ng siyudad o distrito,&quot; he added.</p><p>The campaign period will end on Thursday, March 12.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>AID DISTRIBUTION HALTED</strong></div><p>Aside from these, he said the distribution of the national government’s major financial and medical aid programs have been halted 10 days before the special elections on Saturday.</p><p>Six candidates are vying for the post vacated by Rep. Romeo Acop, who <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/12/21/antipolo-rep-romeo-acop-dies-after-heart-attack-1337">died of heart attack</a> in December 2025.</p><p>The Comelec said Antipolo&#x27;s 2nd district is one of the country’s largest legislative districts, with 242,793 voters across 8 barangays.</p><p>Voters will cast their ballots in 36 voting centers on Saturday. </p><p>Regular voting begins 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. but pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens may choose candidates as early as 5 a.m.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R_UkqUfNDrI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>The Commission on Elections said Wednesday it is monitoring speeches and remarks made by candidates for Antipolo 2nd district representative, saying this should abide by their safe spaces and non-discrimination policies.</p>

The Commission on Elections said Wednesday it is monitoring speeches and remarks made by candidates for Antipolo 2nd district representative, saying this should abide by their safe spaces and non-discrimination policies.