Pasay City Councilor and mayoral aspirant Editha Manguerra has apologized after receiving backlash for a racially charged comment she made during a campaign event, where she vowed to remove “Bumbay” from Pasay City General Hospital—using a slur commonly directed at Indian nationals.
“Ako po ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa aking mga nabitawang salita at hindi ko po intensyon na makapanakit ng damdamin,” Manguerra said in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Wednesday.
The apology came after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordered her to explain the controversial statement she made: “Tanggalin na natin ang Bumbay para wala nang amoy sibuyas na naiiwan sa Pasay Gen.” The Comelec noted that her remark may be grounds for a disqualification petition or election offense complaint.
In a show cause order, Comelec pointed out that Manguerra may have been referring to foreign students, particularly Indian nationals, interning at the city hospital. Manguerra later clarified that her concerns stemmed from language barriers, saying the Indian interns she encountered spoke only in English, which she feared could affect the quality of service.
Despite her clarification that she holds no ill will against Indians, the Pasay City General Hospital issued a firm response condemning discriminatory behavior. In a Facebook statement, the hospital said it “condemns all forms of humiliation or mockery” against its staff and reaffirmed its commitment to respect and equal treatment.
“Pinapanatili ng institusyong ito ang mataas na pagtingin sa bawat isa laban sa diskriminasyon sa kabila ng lahi, kultura, kasarian, relihiyon o pananampalataya,” it stated.
Manguerra said she has yet to receive a copy of the Comelec’s order.
