A new bill aiming to criminalize red-tagging has been introduced in the House of Representatives, targeting the widespread and dangerous practice of publicly labeling individuals or groups as enemies of the state without evidence.
Filed under House Bill 213 by ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co, the measure defines red-tagging as the act of accusing or branding persons as subversives, terrorists, or communists — particularly when such acts are carried out using public office or government resources.
The proposed law seeks to impose prison terms ranging from six months to six years for public officials, employees, or their agents found guilty of red-tagging. Stricter penalties await if the act results in physical harm, disappearance, or death, aligning with provisions under the Revised Penal Code and laws penalizing enforced disappearances.
In 2024, the Supreme Court acknowledged red-tagging as a threat to a person’s right to life, liberty, or security — a position echoed by the authors of the bill.
“This judicial affirmation validates the lived experiences of activists and the long-held position of human rights advocates that red-tagging is a direct and credible threat that warrants decisive legislative action,” Tinio and Co said in a joint statement.
They stressed that allowing red-tagging to go unchecked is akin to legitimizing state-sponsored violence and repression.
“To allow red-tagging to continue with impunity is to sanction violence perpetrated by the state,” the lawmakers said. “Criminalizing this heinous act is an urgent and necessary step to defend our democracy, uphold the rule of law, and protect the lives of the Filipino people.”
The bill also mandates perpetual disqualification from public office for any official found guilty of committing red-tagging and related offenses.
