Manila: A party-list lawmaker has introduced a legislative measure aimed at disqualifying candidates from participating in local and national elections if they engage in misogynistic or discriminatory rhetoric during their campaigns. Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas submitted House Bill 11498 to the House of Representatives, proposing amendments to specific sections of the Omnibus Election Code.

According to Philippines News Agency, the bill intends to categorize misogynistic and gender-based harassment as grounds for disqualification and an election offense. Brosas emphasized that derogatory remarks against women should not become customary in the political arena, asserting that candidates using their platforms to propagate discrimination, particularly against women and the LGBTQ community, must be held accountable.

The proposed legislation seeks to define election offenses to include "public degradation, ridicule, and harassment" of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals during campaign activities such as assemblies, interviews, and the dissemination of online and print materials. Brosas described the bill as both a legal initiative and a declaration that the dignity of women is inviolable within the political sphere. She stressed the importance of eliminating sexist remarks and discriminatory behavior from democratic discussions.

In her explanatory note, Brosas highlighted several notable instances of misogyny in Philippine electoral campaigns. Among them was a controversial remark made by then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 regarding an Australian rape victim, which was met with significant criticism from women's organizations.

The bill also referenced a recent incident involving Pasig congressional candidate Attorney Christian Sia, who attracted backlash after a video circulated showing him making sexually suggestive comments about single mothers. Sia later issued an apology, explaining that his comment was intended as a joke to engage his audience while discussing his platform.