Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a bill seeking to criminalize red-tagging, a practice long blamed for putting activists, journalists, and community workers at risk of harassment and violence.
Senate Bill No. 1071, or the Anti-Red-Tagging Act, aims to stop the public labeling of individuals or groups as communists, terrorists, or enemies of the state, accusations that rights advocates say often serve as virtual death threats.
“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,” Estrada said in a statement on Wednesday.
The proposed measure is anchored on a Supreme Court ruling that recognized red-tagging as a serious threat to the constitutional rights to life, liberty, and security, and as an act that often precedes harassment, abduction, or killing.
Under the bill, red-tagging would include baseless accusations made through speeches, social media, posters, tarpaulins, public events, and other platforms used to vilify individuals or organizations.
Offenders could face up to 10 years in prison and a lifetime ban from public office.
“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,” Estrada said.
He cited cases in which individuals were publicly branded as communists before being killed, underscoring the dangers of unchecked accusations.
“Security forces must protect, not endanger. Advocacy is not a crime. Dissent is not terrorism,” Estrada said, adding that the bill seeks to ensure no Filipino’s life is endangered by reckless and baseless claims.