Officials in the Philippines are upset over what they describe as a racial slur made in the U.S. television comedy "Desperate Housewives."

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The offending remark appeared in an episode that aired Sept. 30 in the United States when Teri Hatcher's character, Susan Mayer, is seen consulting a gynecologist about menopause.

"Can I check those diplomas? Because I want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines," Mayer said.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Claro Cristobal said Philippine Consul General to Los Angeles Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon has written to the producer of the show to express the government's displeasure "over the remarks made about our Filipino medical schools."

Cristoba said the Philippine medical profession is highly regarded throughout the world.

"The Philippines is also considered a top medical tourism destination with many foreigners including U.S. citizens who choose to undergo surgical and other medical procedures in recognition of high quality and reasonably priced medical services," said the spokesman.