MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday asked a Pasay City councilor who is running for mayor to explain her remark at a recent campaign rally where she allegedly spewed a Filipino racist slur for Indians.

In a show cause order, the Comelec said Editha "Wowee" Manguerra was quoted to have said in a campaign sortie: "Tanggalin na natin ang Bumbay para wala nang amoy sibuyas na naiiwan sa Pasay Gen."

In the Philippines, the term "Bumbay" is often used to call people of Indian origin. They are also often associated with Indian money lenders, or those who engage in "5-6".

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The poll body noted that Manguerra could be referring to the foreign students studying and interning at the Pasay City General Hospital.

Manguerra's statement could constitute a violation of Comelec Resolution No. 11116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines, it said.

Manguerra was asked to explain within three days why a complaint for an election offense or a petition for disqualification should not be filed against her.

The election body's explanation order for Manguerra is the latest in a string of show cause orders it issued for candidates who made controversial speeches in campaign rallies that could amount to an election offense.

The moves are expected to raise questions over the extent of the Comelec's powers to police political speeches during campaigns.

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The Comelec earlier said it would not tolerate discriminatory or sexist remarks during this year's campaign season. —with Rose Carmelle Lacuata, ABS-CBN News