Political Violence Haunts Philippine Elections Amid Declining Fatalities

The Philippine elections are characterized by significant political violence, with Comelec reporting 46 incidents since January 2025. Although fewer than 20 candidates have been killed, experts believe violence will persist due to the high stakes of local governance. Comelec has increased control over elections in violent areas, yet significant challenges remain, including lack of accountability and deeply rooted political conflicts.

The recent Philippine elections have been marred by a worrying trend of political violence. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reports 46 violent incidents from January 12 to April 11, with mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa surviving a shooting that occurred at a rally. Unfortunately, others have not been as fortunate, with several candidates, polling personnel, and local officials falling victim to similar attacks as the mid-term elections approach on May 12.

Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco noted a decline in fatalities compared to previous elections, stating that “fewer than 20” candidates have been killed this campaign, a lower figure compared to about 100 deaths in the previous general election. Despite this reduction, analysts express concern that violence will persist in Philippine politics, driven by the significant stakes associated with local governance. Control over municipal positions not only entails political power but also access to jobs, police operations, and budget allocations.

Danilo Reyes, an associate professor at the University of the Philippines, explained the discretionary power local executives have over funding and project prioritization. The weakening rule of law outside Manila enables regional elites to exercise influence with relative impunity. Cleve Arguelles of WR Numero Research emphasized that local political structures, characterized by families and private armed groups, create an environment ripe for violence, particularly in regions dominated by single-family rule.

The dynamics of local electoral politics often compel candidates to resort to violence, as highlighted by Reyes. For instance, Espinosa was shot while waiting to speak at a campaign event, with police investigating seven officers as potential suspects. Yet, a lack of convictions remains prevalent, as data indicates that 79% of violent acts against local officials between 2018 and 2022 went unsolved. This lack of accountability is intertwined with national politicians’ dependencies on local networks for electoral success.

Election-related violence extends to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with Comelec stepping in to manage local elections after violent incidents claimed lives, including a municipal election officer. High-level police officials have faced suspension for negligence in providing security for local officials. Although Comelec insists they are applying security measures that yield results, Laudiangco acknowledges that the intertwined relationships in local politics foster ongoing instability.

The challenge of deeply rooted clannishness complicates political tensions, which can lead to personal conflicts among constituents. Despite these issues, Laudiangco holds out hope for gradual improvements in the political landscape, highlighting the inherent cultural aspects of familial ties and local governance in the Philippines.

The Philippine elections exhibit a troubling trend of political violence, resulting in multiple casualties among candidates and local officials. Although the number of fatalities has decreased compared to previous elections, experts warn that the underlying issues of power, corruption, and violence remain. Comelec’s efforts to impose direct control over troubled municipalities reflect an awareness of the crisis, yet the interdependence of local and national political dynamics poses significant challenges for reform and stability in the future.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com