Comelec urged to address red-tagging, disinformation against youth party-list

April 4, 2025 , 06:32 PM

By Rodolfo Dacleson II

(April 4, 2025) – A youth group on Friday filed a complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) over alleged disinformation and red-tagging against its nominees in the upcoming midterm elections.

Kabataan Party-list said artificial intelligence (AI), including deepfake videos, is being used against its nominees Renee Co, Jose Paolo Echavez, and Peter Angelo Garcia. A page on Facebook falsely branded them as “enemies of the state.”

The youth group said it was an attempt to “suppress dissent and stifle democratic participation.”

“Nakakalungkot na isipin na ang mga pag-unlad sa teknolohiya, na dapat sana ay ginagamit para sa kagalingan ng mga kabataan, ay ginagamit para magpakalat ng red-tagging at disimpormasyon, lalo na ngayong panahon ng eleksyon,” said Co in a media release.

They argued that it violated Comelec Resolution Nos. 11116 and 11064, which established the guidelines for anti-discrimination and fair campaigning and the use of social media, AI, and internet technology.

They urged the Comelec to observe “concrete enforcement” of its directives, particularly Comelec Resolution No. 11064, which recognizes red-tagging as an election offense.

“Comelec should prove true to its mandate to ensure fair and honest elections by acting immediately on this complaint and other complaints against red-taggers already on their docket,” added Co.

Last month, election watchdog Vote Report PH identified red-tagging as the top campaign violation since the campaign period started on January 12. It noted the use of deepfake videos to spread disinformation.

Last year, the Supreme Court, in a historic ruling, deemed red-tagging unconstitutional as it threatens a person’s right to life, liberty, and security.

Kabataan Party-list also criticized Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s continued refusal to abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, which is notorious for red-tagging.

“It’s not surprising that Marcos Jr. will sustain a task force key to cheating against opposition candidates, given his anomalous run in 2022,” said Co.

(With reports from Marianne Enriquez, News5)

(PM)

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