Bill criminalizes red-tagging

A PHILIPPINE senator has filed a bill seeking to criminalize red-tagging, citing the need to protect citizens from unwarranted harassment, intimidation, or persecution.

Senate Bill No. 1071 proposes to make red-tagging a punishable offense under Philippine law, defining it as the act of publicly branding individuals or groups as communists, terrorists, or enemies of the State without evidence.

“Red-tagging is not just a label — it is a threat. When someone is publicly named as a communist sympathizer, their life is immediately placed in danger,” Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada, who filed the measure said.

The proposed measure seeks to impose penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a lifetime ban from holding public office for law enforcement agents, paramilitary, or military personnel found guilty.

“Red-tagging has long threatened the lives of human rights defenders and activists, created a chilling effect on legitimate dissenters and community leaders — including journalists — and created a climate of fear in the country. It has no place in a democracy,” the senator added.

The bill states that red-tagging may be committed through public statements, social media posts, tarpaulins, placards, declarations, public events, and other platforms used to label or vilify individuals or groups as enemies of the State. — Adrian H. Halili