Former Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson speaks to the media, October 3, 2018. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA (UPDATED) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has urged vlogger Mocha Uson to “elevate political participation and discourse” as it flagged “sexually suggestive elements” in her poll campaign.

Uson, a former Palace official, is running for councilor in Manila’s Third District.

In an April 8 letter, Comelec’s Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE) told Uson: “Sexually suggestive elements in your campaign can detract from serious discussions we need to have about policy, governance, and the future of our communities.”

“We do not want to belittle a campaign platform based on sexually positive themes. If this is your message to the constituency of the third district of Manila, then, by all means, we hope that you will proceed with your candidacy and campaign along those lines, albeit in a more deliberate manner with proper regard for age-appropriateness,” SAFE said.

It noted that while political campaigns often aim to capture voters’ attention, candidates should “approach the electorate with messages that are direct to the point.” 

“Puns and double meanings may be used as literary devices in campaigns, but we hope that these are used not to distract from your political platform or skirt the line between accepted speech and obscenity, as we are in the context of elections,” the task force told Uson.

“We trust that you will reflect on the impact of your current campaign approach and make choices that elevate political participation and discourse,” it added.

Backlash to bets’ sexist jokes a ‘significant shift’ towards respect and equality

MOCHA SAYS TO REVIEW CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

In a letter to the Comelec task force, a copy of which was posted on her campaign Facebook page, Uson said she recognizes the importance of being respectful, inclusive and age appropriate during the campaign period.

"In view of the issues raised, I have instructed my campaign team to immediately halt the use of the materials in question. We are currently reviewing all our content to ensure that it aligns with the standards of decency and appropriateness expected in public discourse and electoral engagement."

She said her campaign team is committed "to promoting meaningful dialogue on governance, policy, and the future of our communities."

The Comelec has asked several other candidates like Pasig congressional bet Christian Sia, Batangas gubernatorial bet Jay Manalo Ilagan, and Misamis Oriental governor Peter Unabia to explain their alleged discriminatory and misogynistic remarks. 

Bill seeks inclusion of 'misogynistic remarks' as grounds for poll disqualification

RELATED REPORTS: