Cebuano lawyer wants DQ for Pasay mayoral bet over racist remarks

CEBU, Philippines — A Cebuano lawyer has called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold Pasay City mayoral candidate and incumbent councilor Editha “Wowee” Manguerra accountable — and possibly disqualify her — following controversial remarks she made that have been widely criticized as racist.

Lawyer Joseph M. Baduel submitted a formal complaint online on April 15, urging the electoral body to launch an “immediate investigation and, if warranted, disqualify” Manguerra from running in the 2025 midterm elections.

He cited Manguerra’s derogatory statements during a recent campaign rally, in which she mocked Indian doctors with disparaging comments about their hygiene.

In a letter addressed to Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, Baduel underscored the offensive nature of Manguerra’s remarks, saying they insulted not only individuals but the Indian community as a whole.

“Her provocative statement is an affront, an insult to the People of India with whom our country has long maintained friendly relationships,” Baduel wrote in his letter.

During her speech, Manguerra declared that she would hire only Filipino medical professionals for a proposed hospital in Pasay, explicitly excluding Indians — whom she referred to as “Bombay” due to alleged body odor.

“Bawal ang Bombay kasi po bago, mag-aamoy sibuyas. Joke lang po pero totoo,” Manguerra said in a video clip that has since circulated online.

Baduel emphasized that such remarks are particularly unacceptable when directed at healthcare professionals from another country.

“We ask that she be called to account for her insulting remarks against doctors from India, to apologize and ask for forgiveness from the People of India for her affront, if not be disqualified from running for Mayor,” he added.

According to a report by PhilStar, the Comelec has already issued a show cause order to Manguerra, giving her three days to respond and explain why she should not face sanctions or disqualification over her remarks.

Comelec’s Task Force SAFE cited her potential violations of anti-discrimination and fair campaigning provisions under Resolutions 11116 and 11127, which prohibit racial discrimination — including “any exclusion or restriction based on race or national origin.”

In another portion of her speech, Manguerra reportedly said, “Tanggalin na natin ang bombay para wala nang amoy sibuyas na naiiwan sa Pasay Gen.”

The Comelec clarified that her comments appeared to be directed at foreign medical students and interns at the hospital, many of whom are of Indian descent.

While “bumbay” is commonly used in the Philippines to refer to Indians, it has long been criticized for its racial undertones, especially when used in a pejorative manner.

Baduel said his motivation for filing the complaint was to show respect for Indian medical students, who are not only present in Cebu but throughout the country.

“Ang ako lang napadala na didto (sa Comelec) and unsa ilang action... on the other side ana mapakita sad sa Indian (community) na we're taking action,” he explained.

He also referenced the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines — celebrated in November 2024 — to highlight the longstanding ties between the two nations.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, candidates found guilty of election offenses such as discrimination can be disqualified from holding public office and face imprisonment of one to six years.

Baduel concluded his formal request by urging the Comelec to act swiftly:

“Your immediate attention would clearly manifest your Commission’s avowal to ensure only fair, upright, universal men and women are elected to public office.” —/ FPL (FREEMAN)