Usage Note
Buwitre comes from the Spanish 'buitre' (vulture). It refers to the scavenging bird and is commonly used figuratively to describe an opportunistic or predatory person who takes advantage of others in vulnerable situations. In Philippine political discourse it is used to criticize corrupt officials.
Examples
" May buwitre sa langit. "
Natural Translation
There is a vulture in the sky.
Literal Translation
There-is vulture in sky.
" May buwitre sa itaas ng puno. "
Natural Translation
There is a vulture on top of the tree.
Literal Translation
There-is vulture in top of tree.
" Parang mga buwitre ang ilang opisyal na naghihintay lamang ng pagkakataong samantalahin ang pera ng bayan. "
Natural Translation
Some officials are like vultures, just waiting for the chance to take advantage of the public's money.
Literal Translation
Like vultures the some officials who waiting only of chance to-take-advantage the money of nation.
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