06/05/2025
PRESS RELEASE
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May 6, 2025
YESTERDAY, May 5, 2025 Makabayan Eastern Visayas filed a formal complaint to the COMELEC Region 8 after a series of red-tagging and vilification against the candidates under the Makabayan Coalition. Red-tagging posters and malicious social media posts have been circulated in the region since the start of the campaign season.
Paul Lachica of Makabayan-Eastern Visayas stated that, โSince the start of the campaign we have documented various red-tagging posters, stickers, pamphlets and even malicious posts from individuals against Makabayan candidates. Evidently, from the black propaganda materials that we were able to collect, we cannot help but conclude that those behind these have well-oiled machinery and have massive funds to spend.โ
Makabayan EV reiterates that the Supreme Court has already ruled that red-tagging is a threat to life, liberty, and security.
โSome individuals and groups are claiming that red-tagging is not true or is just propaganda. But the Supreme Court has already ruled the opposite. However despite that, red-tagging continues and perpetrators remain scot-free,โ Lachica added. He further explained that, evidently, red tagging is only conducted against partylist groups critical of government policies that are clearly anti-poor and destructive to the masses, while partylist groups who remain silent on these issues do not experience red tagging.
โThere are groups like the Eastern Visayas Peace Builders and Development Federation Inc. and individuals such as Alma Gabin and Emjay Chico who relentlessly red-tag candidates and partylist groups under the Makabayan Coalition. This is a severe form of voter deception and a threat to the lives of those who are simply seeking social change,โ he added. COMELEC Resolution 11116 states that red tagging committed by any person is an election offense that must be investigated and prosecuted by COMELEC.
By submitting our letter to the COMELEC Makabayan EV is taking a stand against all forms of red-tagging and harassment. โWe are making a statement. We are ordinary people who advocate for human rights and social justice. Red-tagging is only an added burden to the already distraught region of Eastern Visayas already suffering from various social ills. Red-tagging does not solve the poverty nor the hunger in the region, but only places more individuals in danger.โ
The partylists under Makabayan coalition such as Bayan Muna, Gabriela Womenโs Party, ACT Teachers Partylist, and Kabataan Partylisyt including the senatorial candidates have been in the forefront of championing the legitimate calls of the people such as issues on agrarian reform, livable wage, womenโs rights, and studentsโ rights. To advocate these will never be a crime.
โWe donโt have billions of funds, but we have a solid track record of commitment to serve the people. Makabayan has always stood with the people, and despite the massive efforts to discredit us we will never cease to continue our advocacies not for any personal gains, but for the people,โ Lachica ended.
Picture: Altermidya
