CHR urges Comelec to clamp down on red-tagging, sexist remarks

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has warned against red-tagging and the airing of sexist remarks during the electoral campaigns for the 2025 elections as it urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to strictly abide by the rules on election offenses.

- By CZARINA NICOLE ONG-KI

"The CHR expresses grave concern over the rising number of electoral offenses, particularly incidents of red-tagging and a recent case involving a congressional candidate making sexist remarks during a campaign event," it said in a statement.

The CHR referred to the "sexist remark" reportedly aired by Pasig City congressional candidate Christian Sia, who allegedly offered single mothers to sleep with him so they would feel less lonely.

Sia, a lawyer, has already apologized for his remarks, saying it was only intended as a joke to engage the crowd. However, Sia's remarks earned the ire of several individuals and prompted the CHR to raise alarm for being demeaning to women.