THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a show cause order against a mayoral candidate in Pasay City for her alleged racial slur during a recent campaign sortie.
In a two-page order, the Comelec – Task Force SAFE asked Pasay City Councilor and mayoral candidate Editha Maguera to explain why she should not be cited for election offense and face possible disqualification in the May 12 polls.
“In view of the foregoing, you are hereby ordered to Show Cause in writing within a non-extendible period of three days from receipt hereof, and to explain why a complaint for election offense and/or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against you,” said the Comelec – Task Force SAFE.
“Failure on your part to comply with this Order shall be construed a waiver of your right to be heard and the filing of the appropriate case against you,” it added.
The poll body cited the incident during a campaign sortie wherein Maguera was seen and heard uttering the word “bumbay,” which refers to people of Indian descent and which is usually used in a derogatory manner.
“Tanggalin na natin ang bumbay para wala nang amoy sibuyas na naiiwan sa Pasay Gen,” said Maguera as quoted by the poll body.
According to the Comelec, such acts that refer to foreign students studying and interning at the Pasay City General Hospital can be considered as an act of racial discrimination.
“In our view, the foregoing constitutes possible violation of Comelec Resolution No. 11116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines,” said the Comelec task force.
Violation of the Comelec guidelines can result to being charged with an election offense.
