Comelec issues show cause order vs. Pasay mayoral candidate over 'bumbay' remarks
The Commission on Elections on April 15 issued a show cause order to Pasay mayoral candidate Editha "Wowee" Manguera for her racist remarks.
In its order, Comelec provided a transcript of what Manguera had said during a campaign activity based on circulating videos from different pages, including Pulso ng Pasayeño on Facebook: "Tanggalin na natin ang bumbay para wala nang amoy sibuyas na naiiwan sa Pasay Gen."
The poll body noted that it's under the belief that she was "referring to foreign students studying and interning at the Pasay City General Hospital."
It said that her remark "constitutes a possible violation of Comelec Resolution No. 11116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines."
In particular, Comelec cited Section 3, which states that, "During the election period, any person who, directly or indirectly, committing acts of bullying on the basis of HIV status, coercion, discrimination against women, discrimination against PWDs (persons with disabilities), on the use of public accommodations, gender-based harassment, labeling public ridicule against PWDs, vilification of PWDs, violation of an anti-discrimination ordinance, and/or violation of rights to religious, cultural sites, and ceremonies as defined under Section 2 of this Resolution shall be liable for an election offense pursuant to Section 13 of RA 9006 and Section 261 (e) of the OEC (Omnibus Election Code) and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations."
It provided emphasis on "racial discrimination."
Comelec asked Manguera to explain in writing within a non-extendible period of three days upon receipt of the show cause order why a complaint for election offense or petition for disqualification should not be filed against her.
Comelec has issued several show cause orders since the campaign period began on Feb. 11, including to Christian "Ian" Sia, a lawyer running for representative of Pasig's lone congressional district; Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia, who is seeking a second term; Batangas gubernatorial candidate Jay Ilagan; Cavite mayoral candidate Alston Kevin Anarna; and Nueva Ecija gubernatorial candidate Virgilio Bote.
The midterm elections are set to take place on May 12. Overseas Filipinos may vote from April 13 to May 12, while local absentees—Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and media practitioners—may vote from April 28 to 30.
There will be a total of 18,272 national and local positions in the upcoming elections.
