The Makabayan Coalition asserted the fight against red-tagging and the clarification of social media rules during the 2025 elections at a dialogue with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Intramuros, Manila on November 12. The coalition requested the dialogue in a letter to Comelec on October 30.

According to Makabayan, the Comelec’s commitment to issue guidelines against red-tagging during the election period can be considered historic. This could potentially help protect candidates and parties from political harassment and discrimination.

In past elections, state forces red-tagged Makabayan and political parties under its umbrella, such as Bayan Muna, Gabriela Women’s Party, Kabataan, and ACT Teacher. Kontra Daya documented red-tagging cases among the forms of fraud and violence during elections.

“This is a significant victory for democratic rights and electoral reform. For the first time, we will have clear guidelines from Comelec against red-tagging, consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling,” coalition spokesperson Reyna Valmores Salinas said.

Makabayan also welcomed the Comelec’s clarification of Resolution 11064, released in September. The resolution contains guidelines for the use of social media, artificial intelligence, and the internet in campaigning and outlawing disinformation and misinformation in the 2025 elections.

The guidelines stipulates that all candidates, parties, and their campaigners are required to register all their official social media accounts, websites, and other online platforms by December 13. This is intended to prevent the spread of fake news and misinformation during the election. The Task Force sa Katotohanan, Katapatan, at Katarungan (KKK) in Elections will oversee the implementation of the guidelines.

Makabayan urged the Comelec to limit registration to only the official accounts of candidates, not their supporters. Salinas said they recognize the Comelec’s openness to dialogue and their response to Makabayan’s concerns and perspectives.

The coalition had previously expressed opposition to the resolution, arguing that while it is important to combat fake news and misinformation, it should not infringe on freedom of expression, privacy, and effective campaigning.

“It is an important clarification that individual supporters’ registration is not mandatory and will not affect the right of citizens to express their political views on social media,” Salinas added.

Salinas stated that the coalition will continue to engage with Comelec to ensure the enforcement of rules that protect citizens’ rights.