Capiz solon likens Mar to an 'aswang'

MANILA, Philippines - Was it flattery or mockery?

Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro on Monday delivered what could be the most unusual introduction to a guest speaker and presidential candidate during the convention of the National Unity Party in Pasay City.

Castro introduced Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate and fellow Capizeño Manuel Roxas II as an “aswang,” a Filipino mythical creature that feeds on human flesh.

His introduction was premised on the belief that vampire-like creatures abound in their home province.

“I have been asked if it is true that there is an aswang in Capiz. This is the right time to answer the question that has been asked for a long time. It is true that there is aswang in Capiz,” Castro said in Filipino.

“But this aswang is not the one who eats human flesh or drinks human blood. This is the aswang who thirsts to serve the public,” he added.

“The aswang in Capiz is the aswang who is waiting to serve his countrymen,” he added.

Castro went on to praise Roxas as an accomplished senator and an advocate of the straight policy of the Aquino administration.

Roxas thanked Castro for what he described as a “gracious and enthusiastic introduction” and even joked about it.

“I do not know if I will use the stairs (to go to the stage) or just levitate,” the presidential candidate said, referring to the supernatural powers of the aswang.

When asked during an ambush interview how he felt about being called an “aswang,” Roxas said in jest: “It’s the truth.”

“Capiz is known for the ‘aswang.’ Hindi naman minasama (I did not take offense). I think you just looked at it lightly,” he added.

The local government of Capiz has been conducting awareness campaigns to dispel notions that it is plagued with vampires and other supernatural creatures. 

The province is being promoted as the country’s seafood capital instead.

Local officials previously tried to capitalize on the aswang myth by organizing a festival but this was stopped in 2007 after some religious groups claimed that it encourages witchcraft.