Philippine Mid-Term Elections: Voting Begins Amidst Marcos-Duterte Tensions

The Philippines is conducting mid-term elections with over 18,000 positions contested, including critical Senate seats potentially affecting Vice President Sara Duterte’s future. Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s candidacy adds intrigue, alongside the competitive landscape between the Marcos and Duterte families. The results may determine key political legacies and future aspirations, particularly for Sara Duterte’s presidential run in 2028.

Philippines is in the throes of a significant election today, with over 18,000 positions up for grabs. Voting, which kicked off at 7 a.m. local time, will continue until 7 p.m. Voter turnout is crucial, especially for the 12 Senate seats that are being closely watched, given their potential influence on Vice President Sara Duterte’s upcoming impeachment proceedings. Not to be overlooked, former president Rodrigo Duterte is running for the mayor of Davao City, his stronghold, despite facing legal challenges at the International Criminal Court.

The candidates populating the Duterte slate include trusted aide Bong Go, and ex-police chief Ronald dela Rosa, known for overseeing controversial drug war operations. Many of these candidates connected to the PDP-Laban party, historically a pro-democracy party, underscore the continuing legacy of Duterte’s political maneuvers. From pop stars to loyalists, the DuterTen represents a broad spectrum, albeit filled with some contentious figures.

On the other side of the political field, Bongbong Marcos has stacked his ticket with an interesting mix of personalities. This includes former movie stars, a boxing champion, and established dynasty members. The Alliance for the New Philippines was created to consolidate their power, featuring candidates from influential families like Camille Villar, who is aiming to step into her mother’s shoes in the Senate. Political legacy is the game here, with alignments and affiliations driving much of the strategies.

The Marcos-Duterte alliance, once seen as a powerful pairing uniting two political dynasties, has frayed significantly. The landslide victory in the 2022 elections initially fueled hopes for a solid partnership but diverging interests have led to apparent discord. The so-called “UniTeam” could face challenges moving into future elections as they navigate their differences.

Remarkably, even from the ICC prison, Rodrigo Duterte’s political influence seems unshakeable as he stands for mayor of Davao City. His son Sebastian is running for vice-mayor, and together, they might maintain the family grip on the city. This long-standing dominance in Davao underscores both families’ political history but not without controversy, as critics highlight the city’s brutal anti-crime past.

For the Marcos and Duterte families, the stakes are painfully clear: power, legacy, and survival in the fierce political arena. For Bongbong Marcos, the election acts as a critical test of his leadership and may determine how effectively he can manage Duterte’s impeachment. Meanwhile, with her father out of the picture, Sara’s long-term ambitions hinge on the outcome of this election. Having yet to declare her presidential run for 2028, today’s results will either bolster or diminish her chances as she positions herself for the future.

Over 68 million eligible voters spanning over 7,600 islands are participating in this mid-term election. With the eye-catching rivalry between the Marcos and Duterte factions at the forefront, the results might also redefine the political landscape. The outcome holds potential implications for legislative power and whether there will be a continuation of the Duterte family’s political story moving forward.

The mid-term elections in the Philippines showcase a blend of political legacies with millions at stake. The ongoing feud between the Marcos and Duterte families presents a complicated dynamic as voters head to the polls. The outcomes could potentially reshape the political future for both families, impacting Sara Duterte’s presidential aspirations and Bongbong Marcos’ legislative power. As the election results unfold, the fragile ties and historical political narratives will likely come into sharper focus.

Original Source: www.bbc.com