The Makabayan bloc has lodged an official complaint with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), accusing him of red-tagging and violating election guidelines.
On Tuesday, the bloc formally filed the complaint and held a protest at the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila. The group alleges Torres targeted progressive candidates, including Rep. Arlene Brosas, in violation of Comelec Resolution 11116, which prohibits discrimination and unfair labeling during the election season.
Makabayan President and senatorial candidate Liza Maza said that Torres’ remarks not only endangered the lives of lawmakers but also stifled democratic participation by using government resources for political discrimination.
The complaint follows earlier reports and filings from other progressive groups, including ACT Teachers and Gabriela, citing similar instances of harassment and red-tagging during the 2025 campaign period.
Maza urged the poll body to immediately investigate and halt what she described as politically motivated harassment by state officials. She emphasized that such acts must not be tolerated, especially as the election nears.
Comelec Resolution 11116, along with the updated Resolution 11127, declares all election platforms—including social media—as safe zones, banning any discriminatory or abusive behavior tied to election activities.