Millions of Filipinos voted in a transformative mid-term election amid a feud between President Marcos and impeached Vice President Duterte. This election determines over 18,000 positions and could heavily influence the 2028 presidential race, with potential implications for Duterte’s future due to her impeachment trial. Voter security is heightened in response to prior election violence.
On Monday, millions in the Philippines cast their votes in a crucial mid-term election, a contest that reflects the ongoing tensions between President Ferdinand Marcos and the impeached Vice President Sara Duterte. Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time (2300 GMT Sunday) for elections determining over 18,000 positions at various levels, from the House of Representatives to local seats. However, the Senate race has drawn the most attention, especially with implications for the upcoming 2028 presidential election.
A significant factor in the Senate outcomes is that the 12 newly elected senators will serve as half the jury in a trial against Vice President Duterte, tentatively scheduled for July. If found guilty of the charges brought against her, which include allegations of corruption and involvement in an assassination plot against the President, she could face permanent disqualification from holding public office. This feud, which erupted dramatically in February with her impeachment by the House, stems from a long-standing tension between Duterte and Marcos, who were once political allies.
The situation was further complicated when Sara Duterte’s father, the former president Rodrigo Duterte, was detained and taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) facing charges related to his controversial anti-drug campaign. For Sara Duterte to maintain any viable path towards the presidency, she must secure at least nine of the available 24 Senate votes. Ahead of the election, it appeared that seven of the leading candidates were blessed by President Marcos, while four aligned themselves with his embattled vice president.
Notably, Marcos and television personality Camille Villar were incorporated into the Duterte party’s slate in a bid to strengthen political alliances, as outlined in a resolution aimed at defending the Vice President against impeachment. As Duterte lastly rallied her supporters in Manila, she raised concerns about potential “massive” electoral fraud and likened her father’s expulsion to “kidnapping.” Despite the serious circumstances surrounding his recent arrest, former President Duterte is still on the ballot in Davao city, where reports suggest he might reclaim his previous mayoral post with ease.
Meanwhile, leading to this pivotal election, violence has unfortunately marred the pre-poll period. In one incident in Mindanao, clashes between political factions resulted in at least two fatalities, with local officials reporting four deaths. The Philippines, particularly its southern regions, has a notorious history of electoral violence, which often stems from rivalries between groups vying for power. To manage security, approximately 163,000 police officers have been mobilized to ensure the safety of polling stations and election officials amid rising tensions.
The election’s atmosphere has been tense as at least 16 individuals have allegedly been murdered in connection with the elections, including a council hopeful and a polling officer. Adding to the chaos, on Saturday, a candidate for municipal councillor was among those slain during a confrontation with military personnel. Furthermore, authorities arrested several individuals at Cebu airport, where they were found with 441 million pesos (close to $8 million) in unregistered cash, an action violating election laws designed to curb voting-related bribery. For this election, a new early voting option was introduced, allowing seniors and individuals with disabilities to vote starting at 5 am.
The mid-term elections in the Philippines reflect deepening political divides and the potential fallout from the high-stakes feud between President Marcos and Vice President Duterte. With serious allegations against Duterte and the threat of her impeachment looming, the race for Senate seats serves to not only decide governance but also future presidential aspirations. Violence fraught with history has marred the electoral process, underscoring the tumultuous nature of Philippine politics.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
