Philippines’ Midterm Elections Kick Off Amid Fractured Political Backdrop
Campaigning for the Philippines’ midterm elections kicked off on Tuesday against a fractured political backdrop, heightened by a high-profile row among warring elites that culminated in last week’s impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Impeachment Trial Looms
The impeachment could see Duterte removed from her post and banned for life from public office and comes amid an escalating feud between her and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, whose once-powerful alliance propelled them to a landslide election victory in 2022. The fallout has sent ripples through Philippine politics, turning the midterms into a high-stakes power struggle and a preview of a likely battle between their camps in the 2028 presidential race.
High-Stakes Contest
For Marcos, the elections are widely seen as a referendum on his leadership as he seeks to secure a legislative majority to push forward his administration’s agenda. But the stakes are equally high for Duterte, who faces an impeachment trial in the senate expected in June. The election for the upper house will feature allies of Marcos and Duterte and will effectively decide half of the jurors in that senate trial.
For Duterte to Be Removed
For Duterte to be removed, at least 16 senators, or two-thirds of members, must vote to convict her. A survey by independent pollster Pulse Asia last month showed nine of Marcos’ senatorial bets leading the race, but two Duterte loyalists were in the top 12, keeping the vice president’s camp in contention.
Rodrigo Duterte’s Influence
The trial looms as a pivotal moment not just for Duterte but for the political dynasty of her family, whose influence skyrocketed after father, Rodrigo Duterte, won the presidential election in 2016 on a promise to tackle crime and drugs. Rodrigo Duterte, 79, remains a formidable political figure and is running for mayor in his hometown Davao City, where his two sons are also running, for vice mayor and for a seat in Congress, hoping to bolster the family’s southern stronghold.
Duterte’s Denial
Duterte has denied wrongdoing, while Marcos, for his part, has said he does not support her impeachment. Duterte led opinion polls last year on preferred candidates for the next presidency, so her removal, according to analyst Llamas, could be a boon for Marcos’ chances of deciding his succession.
Conclusion
The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte has sent shockwaves through Philippine politics, marking a high-stakes power struggle in the midterm elections. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the country’s political landscape and the prospects of the Duterte and Marcos camps in the 2028 presidential race.
FAQs
- What is the significance of the midterm elections in the Philippines?
- The midterm elections will determine the balance of power in the Philippine legislature and have implications for the country’s political landscape.
- Who is Vice President Sara Duterte?
- Vice President Sara Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte and has been accused of budget anomalies, amassing unusual wealth, and threatening the lives of President Marcos Jr, the first lady, and Speaker Romualdez.
- What are the consequences of Duterte’s impeachment?
- If convicted, Duterte could be removed from office and banned from public service for life.
- Who is President Ferdinand Marcos Jr?
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is the son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and has been accused of being involved in the country’s corruption and human rights abuses.