HOUSE Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong expressed strong support on Thursday for the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) issuance of show cause orders to candidates accused of using lewd and sexist language during the campaign period, calling it a “bold step” in promoting civility and accountability in public discourse.a
During the a press briefing at the House of Representatives, Adiong said he welcomed Comelec’s move as a strong reminder to all candidates that freedom of expression in politics must be balanced with basic decency, especially when referring to women and vulnerable sectors of society.
“Ako personally, sinusuportahan ko and I would like to commend the Commission on Elections for coming up with this bold step in disciplining, if I should say no, the candidates running for this election, ‘yung pag-adopt nila ng anti-discrimination and fair campaign resolution,” Adiong said.
He stressed that while negative campaigning is allowed under the law, it should never cross the line into bigotry or misogyny.
“Allowed naman under the electoral, election omnibus code yung sinasabi nilang negative campaigning and this has been explained by Chairman George Garcia of Comelec. But if you want to attack a certain candidate or a certain adversary in a political position, you should not use something that would touch the sensitivity of a certain group of people,” he said.
The Comelec issued Wednesday a show cause order against Davao de Oro Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, who was caught on video making lewd and demeaning remarks during a political rally.
The video has since drawn widespread condemnation online and from women’s groups and lawmakers.
Earlier, the Comelec issued show cause orders against reelectionist Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia and Mataas na Kahoy Vice Mayor and Batangas gubernatorial candidate Jay Ilagan, Nueva Ecija gubernatorial candidate Virigilo Bote and Pasig City lone district representative aspirant Ian Sia
“So dapat nga tayo, we always have to maintain decency in public discourses, especially if you’re elected, especially if you’re seeking a political position. Kasi, ehemplo nga tayo eh. We are supposed to be the role models in our community,” Adiong said.
“We should at least be sensitive enough to, and be circumspect in dealing with the campaign speeches and campaign remarks that will not belittle a group of people, but actually demeans the humanity of a certain individual,” he said.
He said the country must not tolerate language that harms or humiliates.
“Hindi na dapat din natin hayaan na maging, ang pananalita ng bawat isa ay hindi lang nakakasakit sa isang indibidwal pero nakaka-demean at nakaka-dehumanize sa isang grupo ng tao… sa mga sektor sa ating lipunan,” Adiong added.
Adiong emphasized that the Comelec is merely exercising due process in asking candidates to explain themselves.
“Again, the Comelec is just giving them the due process. Because show cause order would provide them the time to explain themselves… they come out in the public saying all of those things,” Adiong said.
He expressed hope that no further incidents would require such action.
“So I hope hindi na madagdagan yung numero na iyan. The last time I checked on the news, I think nasa mga apat o lima na sila na nabigyan ng show cause order,” he said.
When asked if he supported proposals like the one filed by Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas to disqualify candidates for sexist or misogynistic speech, Adiong pointed to existing Comelec mechanisms.
“Mayroon namang mekanismo naman ngayon ang Comelec, ang commission, to cite that specific example as a ground for disqualification,” he said.
“I believe the reason for the show cause order is for the candidates to also explain their side. Whether or not Comelec has to proceed with filing a disqualification, because the Comelec as a regulatory commission can do in motu propio those kind of penalties,” Adiong added.
Adiong said that aside from exercising their right to run for public office, candidates must also respect the right of voters to be treated with dignity and given the opportunity to make informed decisions. “Hindi ho dapat tayo doon nakikipag-diskurso sa level ng kasarian ng tao, sa level ng paniniwala ng tao, but to what can we provide to our community to better the services of the government.”
“We should maintain… discourse sa public spaces na hindi tayo makakasakit sa grupo ng tao,” he said.
“Dapat po isa-isipan po nating mga kandidato na may karapatan din po ng ating mga electorate… they will also be equipped with a well-informed decision.”
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