ANOTHER mayoral candidate is now the subject of a show cause order issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for her remarks may encourage racial discrimination.
In an order issued Tuesday, the poll body’s Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (SAFE) ordered incumbent Pasay City Councilor Editha Manguerra to explain her alleged discriminatory remarks against foreign students during a campaign activity.
“Tanggalin na natin ang bumbay para wala ng amoy sibuyas na na-iwan sa Pasay Gen (Let’s remove bumbays so that the Pasay General Hospital will not smell like onions),” Manguerra said, apparently referring to Indian nationals studying and serving as interns at the local government-run hospital.
The poll body said Manguerra’s remarks constitute a possible violation of Comelec Resolution No. 11116 or the anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines.
Section 3 of the resolution states that any person who, directly or indirectly, commits acts of bullying based on human immunodeficiency virus status, coercion, discrimination against women, discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWD) on the use of public accommodations, gender-based harassment, labeling, public ridicule against PWD, vilification of PWD, violation of an anti-discrimination ordinance, and/or violation of rights to religious, cultural sites, and ceremonies shall be liable for an election offense under Section 13 of Republic Act 9006 (Fair Election Act) and Section 261 (e) of the Omnibus Election Code and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations.
Those found guilty of committing an election offense face up to six years imprisonment, according to the OEC.
The Comelec resolution also defines racial discrimination as “any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”
The poll body gave Manguerra three days from receipt of the order to submit her response.