Comelec to push for creation of ‘safe spaces’ on social media

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Sunday that it will propose the creation of “safe spaces” on social media, even in voting precincts and canvassing areas, to help protect the voters ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections. 

Comelec chairman George Garcia made the announcement following incidents in which certain candidates made lewd remarks during campaign sorties at the height of the election period. 

“Dito sa darating na linggo, magpo-propose muli tayo bilang karagdagan do’n sa Anti-Discrimination natin, 'yung pagke-create ng safe space sa ating mga precincts, canvassing areas, sa ating social media platforms,” Garcia said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview. 

(This coming week, we will propose in addition to our Anti-Discrimination Act, the creation of safe spaces in our precincts, canvassing areas, and on our social media platforms.) 

“Dapat may safe space and therefore, kinakailangan mas mapalawak po natin ito at mapalawak din natin ‘yung kampanya sa atake sa relihiyon o kung ano ang pinapaniwalaan ng isang tao,” he added. 

(There should be a safe space for everyone and therefore, we need to expand it further and make a move against the attacks on religion or what a person believes.) 

In February, the poll body issued a resolution declaring that labeling groups and individuals as terrorists, dissenters, and criminals without evidence is an election offense in the 2025 midterm national and local polls.

Comelec Resolution No. 1116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines also covers acts of bullying and discrimination involving gender, ethnicity, age, religion, and disabilities, among others. — BM, GMA Integrated News

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