Red tagging has been identified as the most common violation this election season, comprising 78.7 percent of the violations monitored, despite the Commission on Elections prohibition on the labeling of individuals as terrorists without evidence, according to a report by the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) and its partner organization, Vote Report PH.
Resolution No. 11116 of the Comelec, which prescribed antidiscrimination and fair campaigning rules for this election season, also warned candidates against “labeling” or the act of branding individuals, groups, or organizations as “vocal dissenters,” “activists,” or “sympathizers of subversive or terrorist groups,” without evidence.
“But despite these legal deterrents and strong condemnation by several institutions, data from election watchdogs show that red tagging continues unabated. Progressive electoral candidates, regardless of affiliation, are targeted in these elections,” ICHRP said.
ICHRP noted in the study that the Supreme Court had previously declared in the decision on Deduro vs Vinoya that red tagging threatens “a person’s right to life, liberty, or security.”
It said that the unprecedented spike in red tagging under the Duterte administration continues under the Marcos government, as the latter has “failed” to undertake measures that would put a stop to red tagging, which should include the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
ICHRP said elections are “a natural time” for candidates and the public to have “vibrant and honest discussions,” which is often silenced by red tagging.
It comes as no surprise that red tagging is a common violation this election season, despite attempts by the Comelec to minimize the irresponsible practice that is also a violation of human rights. After all, it is so easy to tag anyone as a terrorist or communist, without providing an iota of evidence, when government agencies have shown how easily it can be done, often with maximum effect but zero accountability. As long as government fails to take the lead and make the effort to stamp out red tagging, private individuals will find no reason to turn to it whenever it is convenient, or when desperation sets in.
Red tagging will not end until our own government makes it a priority and takes concrete action against those who practice it. Until then, anybody can be red tagged, not only during elections, but anytime people feel like making unfounded accusations against people they despise, even for simply being disagreeable.*
