MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to declare every election campaign period in the country as a "safe space" that will prohibit discrimination among candidates and their supporters. 

According to Comelec chairman George Garcia, he will propose the idea to the Commission en banc on Tuesday, April 8.

Garcia believes this will support the commission’s resolution banning discrimination and mudslinging among rival politicians.

“When you say safe space, dapat ang mga lugar na yan - ang mga platform na yan ay hindi ginagamit sa pagdi-discriminate at pang-aabuso,” Garcia said.

According to Garcia, every candidate should serve as a role model to their constituents.

“Kayo po ay modelong madami, dapat po nating tandaan - there is greater responsibility na nakaatang po sa ating mga balikat na dapat po hindi tayo pinapamarisan sa mga mali at dapat pinapamarisan tayo sa tama,” he explained.

On Monday, the Comelec issued two show-cause orders against Misamis Oriental governor Peter Unabia and Mataasnakahoy, Batangas vice mayor Jay Ilagan for their “discriminatory” remarks against some sectors of society.

Garcia promised to resolve all pending cases before election day.

“Ang commitment ng Comelec, bago matapos ang eleksyon, ire-resolve pong komisyon yung bagay na yan,” according to Garcia.

The poll chief also explained why the commission cannot just immediately disqualify candidates with discriminatory remarks.

“Ang due process po ay binibigay kahit sa pinaka-kinamumuhian ng kriminal ng ating lipunan, sapagkat ang due process nasa saligang batas. Lahat mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na madinig ang kanyang panig,” according to Garcia.

“Wala pong nakalagay sa guidelines natin na apology or I am sorry bilang pagpapababa ng kaso or bigat ng sinabi,” Garcia added.

Meanwhile, as of press time, Pasig City congressional bet Atty. Christian “Ian” Sia has not yet submitted his written explanation to the commission on why he should not be held liable for his “misogynistic’ statements against solo parents in a campaign rally in Pasig.

“We should be man and woman enough to accept responsibility  sa mga sinasabi po natin, sapagkat ang entablado ay hindi ginagamit sa pambabastos ng iba,” said Garcia.

COMMISSIONER PIPO AS DATU ODIN SINSUAT ADMINISTRATOR

Meanwhile, the Comelec named Noli Pipo as commissioner-in-charge in the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte which is now under its control.

According to Garcia, Pipo will be directly reporting to the commission en banc on the latest development in Datu Odin Sinsuat.

“Unlimited halos yung power ng administrador reporting directly to the Commission en banc. Basta siguraduhin na walang karahasan na mangyayari, hindi tatakutin ang mga teachers at mga botante natin, magkaroon ng maayos na election sa area na yan,” Garcia explained.

“Warning ito sa lahat, again - huwag subukan ang kapangyarihan ng Comelec at ang aming desire na ayusin ang election ng bansa. Again, ang commitment ng inyong commission will be transparent in all our processes,” Garcia added.