Philippines Elects Amid Marcos-Duterte Feud and Election Violence
Millions of Filipinos voted in mid-term elections viewed as a referendum on the escalating feud between President Ferdinand Marcos and impeached VP Sara Duterte. The election, which could influence the Senate composition and the 2028 presidential race, faced violent incidents, underscoring the risks of electoral processes in the Philippines. Security forces are deployed to ensure safe voting amid allegations of corruption and pre-election violence.
Manila (AFP) – On Monday, millions of Filipinos flocked to the polls for an important mid-term election, which many view as a reflection of the intense rivalry between President Ferdinand Marcos and impeached Vice President Sara Duterte. Voting commenced across the nation at 7 A.M. local time (2300 GMT Sunday) and is set to determine over 18,000 positions, from the House of Representatives down to small municipal roles.
The most pivotal aspect of this election lies in the Senate race, whose outcome could have substantial ramifications for the 2028 presidential election. The twelve senators elected will constitute half the jury in what is expected to be a high-stakes impeachment trial for Duterte, potentially scheduled for July. This trial could lead to her being barred from holding public office permanently.
The feud between Duterte and Marcos escalated dramatically in February, when the House impeached the Vice President over serious allegations including corruption and an assassination plot against Marcos. Shortly thereafter, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and transported to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face serious charges related to his controversial anti-drug campaign.
Duterte’s path is precarious; she requires nine votes out of 24 in the Senate to maintain her prospects of a future presidential bid. As the election unfolded, seven of the candidates leading in polls had Marcos’s endorsement, while four were associated with Duterte. Notably, Imee Marcos, the president’s sister, was recently “adopted” by Duterte’s PDP-Laban party.
This strategy appears aimed at boosting support for the Vice President amidst looming impeachment challenges. At a rally in Manila last week, Duterte voiced her concerns regarding potential electoral fraud and condemned her father’s transfer to the ICC, labeling it as akin to “kidnapping.” Meanwhile, despite his ongoing legal entanglements, the elder Duterte is still on the ballot in Davao City, aiming to reclaim his former mayoral position, and local polls forecast a favorable outcome for him.
Tragically, violence marred the electoral process. Reports indicated that at least two individuals died following clashes between political factions in the autonomous Muslim region of Mindanao. According to local disaster officials, the death toll might rise to four, illustrating the troubling history of electoral violence that the Philippines faces.
Pre-election tensions have led to increased security measures, with approximately 163,000 police officers mobilized to safeguard polling stations, assist election officials, and monitor checkpoints. Moreover, other agencies have also joined the effort to maintain peace, especially in regions where violence during elections has become a routine concern. Tragically, the police reported at least 16 fatalities resulting from violent incidents related to the election.
Amidst security threats, a special provision allowed the elderly and those with disabilities to vote early, commencing from 5 A.M. This initiative is designed to ensure broader participation in the electoral process despite the climate of intimidation and fear.
In summary, the Philippine mid-term elections represent a significant moment as constituents cast their votes amidst a backdrop of political drama and violence. With the Marcos-Duterte rivalry at the forefront, the outcome could shape both the Senate’s composition and the trajectory for the next presidential race in 2028. The challenges posed by election-related violence highlight the ongoing issues within the political system, emphasizing the necessity for both safety and integrity in the electoral process.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
