NTF-ELCAC hits Comelec reso against labeling terrorists

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday expressed opposition to the resolution of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) penalizing the labeling of terrorists.

In a press conference, NTF-ELCAC legal cooperation cluster spokesperson Atty. James Clifford Santos said the task force’s national secretariat submitted its comments to the Comelec.

“Now, the National Secretariat of the NTF-ELCAC respectfully submitted its comments on this resolution. And para malinaw sa ating mga nakikinig (to be clear with our listeners), we have three main points as to why we respectfully disagree with this resolution by the Comelec, particularly on the issue of penalizing labeling,” he said.

Santos was referring to Comelec Resolution 11116, which provides that labeling groups and individuals as terrorists, dissenters, and criminals without evidence is an election offense in the 2025 midterm national and local polls.

The resolution also stated that acts of bullying and discrimination involving gender, ethnicity, age, religion, and disabilities, among others, are considered election offense.

First, Santos said the resolution reinforces the narrative of the “communist terrorist group” on the existence of “red-tagging.” He said red-tagging is “legally non-existent” and not part of the government’s policy.

“When the government labels, unmasks the identity of an individual as a member or an affiliate of the CPP-NPA-NDF, it does so based on evidence. And the main purpose here is to really protect our citizenry, especially the youth from the recruitment and deceptive tactics of the CPP-NPA-NDF,” he said.

Second, Santos pointed out that red-tagging is not penalized under the Philippine laws. For him, the Comelec resolution may infringe on freedom of speech.

“By issuing the resolution, the Comelec may infringe on the constitutionally guaranteed rights of our people to tell the truth. And it goes on to the very issue of freedom of speech,” he said.

Lastly, Santos called out the Comelec resolution for citing the Supreme Court decision that red-tagging and guilt by association threaten a person’s right to life, liberty, or security in the case of former Bayan Muna lawmaker Siegfred Deduro.

“Itong kaso ni Deduro versus Vinoya, hindi naman ito pini-penalize ang pagsasalita ng katotohanan pagdating sa CPP-NPA-NDF sa mga miyembro nito,” he said.

(This case of Deduro versus Vinoya, it does not penalize speaking the truth when it comes to the CPP-NPA-NDF members.)

Comelec

For its part, the Comelec said it has yet to receive an official complaint against their resolution.

“Wala pa po kaming natatanggap na kahit anong complaint, petition, reklamo nang kahit sinong grupo o institusyon na ini-invoke  ang aming resolution,” said poll chief George Erwin Garcia. 

(We have yet to receive a complaint, petition from any group or institution invoking our resolution.)

“Kung wine-weaponize, ‘yan ay isang political statement, sa kanila po 'yan. As it stands today, as of now, wala po kaming kahit isang kaso invoking the anti-discrimination ng Comelec,” he said. 

(If they are saying it is being weaponized, that is a political statement, that's on them. As it stands today, we did not receive any complaint against the anti-discrimination resolution of the Comelec.) 

CHR

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights on Thursday commended Comelec for issuing the resolution, saying it is essential to establish safeguards that protect voters from harassment and intimidation.

"CHR fully supports Comelec Resolution No. 11116 as a crucial step in protecting every Filipino voter’s right to participate in elections without fear of harassment, retaliation, or intimidation. Let us all advocate for an inclusive #Eleksyon2025, where political participation is consistently respected and fulfilled—regardless of one’s identity, status, gender, or affiliation," it said in a press statement.—AOL, GMA Integrated News

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