Pasay mayoral bet under fire over racist ‘bumbay’ remark

MANILA, Philippines — Another local candidate in the May midterm elections is under fire for making discriminatory and racist remarks against Indian nationals during a campaign sortie.

Incumbent Pasay Councilor Editha Manguera, who is running for mayor, has been summoned by the Commission on Elections.

The Comelec Task Force Safe gave Manguera three days to explain why she should not be charged with an election offense.

In a video circulating on social media, Manguera promised to get rid of “bumbays” in Pasay to eliminate the lingering smell of onions.

“Tanggalin na natin ang bumbay para wala nang amoy sibuyas na naiiwan sa Pasay Gen,” Manguera said at a campaign event.

She was believed to be referring to Indian students studying and doing internship at the Pasay City General Hospital.

The Comelec said Manguera’s utterances constitute a possible violation of the anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines.

“Failure on your part to comply with the order shall be construed as a waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of a case against you,” the poll body said.

The Comelec has called out several candidates for making sexist and discriminatory remarks during campaign sorties.

Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia has received flak for saying that single mothers, especially those who are still menstruating, can sleep with him once a year.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia, who is seeking reelection, was also summoned by the Comelec after he said that nursing scholarships would be “reserved only for beautiful women.”