Philippine midterm elections are underway, with over 18,000 positions contested, including 12 Senate seats. Former President Rodrigo Duterte seeks to reclaim his mayoral position while navigating legal troubles. Tensions rise between the Marcos and Duterte families as their alliance faces challenges. The outcome could significantly affect political futures, including the impeachment of Vice-President Sara Duterte.
Today, millions of Filipinos hit the polls for a significant midterm election. A staggering number of over 18,000 elected positions are up for grabs, with voting starting as early as 7:00 AM local time and running until 7:00 PM. The key focus is on the 12 contested Senate seats out of a total of 24—these races could heavily influence any potential impeachment proceedings against Vice-President Sara Duterte.
In addition to the Senate seats, local positions such as mayors, vice-mayors, and councilors are up for election in various cities and municipalities. Among those running is former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is on the ballot as mayor of his hometown, Davao City, while he deals with ongoing trials at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Duterte’s senatorial slate features some well-known names, including his former aide Bong Go and ex-police chief Ronald dela Rosa. Both have been associated with Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign that has faced serious backlash due to allegations of extrajudicial killings. This group is dubbed DuterTen and also includes a mix of allies and a pastor who’s on the run.
On the other side, Bongbong Marcos, son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, is leading a diverse slate of candidates that includes former celebrities, seasoned politicians, and members from influential families. His group, known as the Alliance for the New Philippines, emphasizes support from established political clans coupled with significant business backing.
The Marcos-Duterte alliance enjoyed tremendous success in the 2022 general election, marking a dramatic return for the Marcos family. Bongbong Marcos assumed the presidency, with Sara Duterte securing the vice-presidency, establishing a potent political coalition that looked promising. However, cracks have begun to show as differing agendas and political ambitions cause tensions between the two families.
Despite being far from home, Rodrigo Duterte could make a strong political comeback in Davao City. He’s aiming to reclaim the mayoral position he occupied for decades before his presidency, while his youngest son, Sebastian, is vying for the vice-mayor role to keep the political legacy within the family. Their winning would reinforce the family’s long-standing grip on local governance.
Power dynamics are shifting as Bongbong Marcos faces a sort of referendum on his leadership, while Sara Duterte seeks to solidify her standing for a future presidential run. The Senate’s composition in the coming days could potentially impact Sara’s political aspirations as well, particularly if impeachment efforts succeed.
The vote today involves around 68.4 million registered citizens from over 7,600 islands, who will select not only Senate and House representatives but also local leaders. This midterm election is significant, especially amid the intense rivalry between the Marcos and Duterte families. Their past cooperation is under tension, and today’s results can be very telling regarding the future political landscape of the Philippines, especially on issues like Sara Duterte’s impeachment.
In summary, the Philippine midterm elections are crucial, with significant positions including 12 Senate seats in the spotlight. Both the Marcos and Duterte families are in the mix, navigating complex political waters that could define their legacies and future ambitions. Dueling political interests may sour previous alliances as the nation awaits results that could affect the direction of governance and future elections. Today’s election will reveal much about public sentiment and the families’ influence moving ahead in Philippine politics.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
