Campaigning Begins in the Philippines for Mid-Term Elections
Campaigning began on Tuesday in the Philippines for mid-term elections that could set the table for the next presidential race and determine the political future of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senate Hopefuls and Party-List Candidates Kick Off Campaigns
Talk show hosts, movie stars, and a preacher jailed on sex-trafficking charges are among the candidates vying for a dozen open Senate seats. While the May 12 vote will fill more than 18,000 posts nationwide, it is the would-be senators who are facing a duty few bargained for – serving as jurists in the impeachment trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s eldest daughter.
Impeachment Trial’s Outcome at Stake
The vice president, whose alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos has imploded spectacularly, was impeached by the House of Representatives last week on charges of "violation of the constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes." Sixteen votes in the 24-seat Senate are now needed to deliver a conviction that would bar Duterte from public office, including a presidential run she says she is "seriously considering."
The Composition of the Next Senate Will Be Crucial
"The composition of the next Senate will be crucial" to the trial’s outcome, Dennis Coronacion, head of the political science department of Manila’s University of Santo Tomas, told AFP.
Campaign Issues and Concerns
Electioneering will kick into higher gear next month when candidates for the remaining 254 House seats and thousands of local positions launch their bids for office. Streets will teem with colorful posters and radio airwaves will be dominated by campaign jingles, but the carnival-like atmosphere belies a darker side. With control over local purse strings in the balance, even lower-level elected offices can be bitterly contested, with occasionally deadly results.
Election-Related Violence a Concern
Police are already investigating 12 incidents of possible "election-related" violence, including the shooting death of a candidate for a local post. "These can do a lot to… harass candidates or worse, create violence to influence the outcome of the election," said Police Spokeswoman Colonel Jean Fajardo.
Popularity Contest
A survey by pollster Social Weather Stations last month listed job creation, food security, the health system, education, and workers’ rights as Filipinos’ top concerns. However, the contest for Senate seats often boils down to name recognition, something polls suggest will continue.
Political Dynasties and Family Ties
According to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, the Marcos clan is one of at least 24 families running five or more candidates in a country long dominated by political dynasties. In the southern city of Davao, multiple Duterte family members will seek office as they attempt to maintain control of their traditional stronghold.
Conclusion
The May 12 vote is crucial for the Philippines, as it will determine the composition of the next Senate and the political future of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte. The campaign season is expected to be intense, with candidates vying for power and influence. The outcome will have significant implications for the country’s political landscape and the future of its leaders.
FAQs
- What is the significance of the May 12 vote?
The May 12 vote will determine the composition of the next Senate and the political future of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte. - Who are the candidates vying for Senate seats?
Talk show hosts, movie stars, and a preacher jailed on sex-trafficking charges are among the candidates vying for a dozen open Senate seats. - What are the top concerns of Filipino voters?
Job creation, food security, the health system, education, and workers’ rights are among the top concerns of Filipino voters, according to a survey by pollster Social Weather Stations. - How many families are running five or more candidates in the election?
According to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, at least 24 families are running five or more candidates in the election.