Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed Senate Bill No. 1071, the proposed “Anti-Red-Tagging Act,” seeking to criminalize red-tagging amid its alleged link to harassment, rights abuses, and killings of activists, journalists, community leaders, and civilians.
“Red-tagging is not just a label — it is a threat,” Estrada said, warning that publicly branding individuals as communist sympathizers puts their lives in danger.
The bill is anchored on the Supreme Court ruling in Deduro v. Maj. Gen. Vinoya, which recognized red-tagging and guilt by association as threats to life, liberty, and security that often precede harassment, abduction, or extrajudicial killings.
Under the measure, red-tagging is defined as publicly labeling individuals or groups as communists, terrorists, or enemies of the State without evidence, whether through statements, social media, tarpaulins, public events, or other platforms.
Those found guilty face up to 10 years in prison and a lifetime ban from public office.
Estrada said the bill aims to end a climate of fear and protect legitimate dissent, citing cases where individuals were allegedly red-tagged before being killed, including Jose Reynaldo Porquia, Zara Alvarez, Benjamin Ramos, and Councilor Bernardino Patigas.IMT
