Philippines Mid-Term Elections: Marcos-Duterte Feud Takes Center Stage

Millions prepare to vote in the Philippines mid-term election, centered on the feud between President Marcos and impeached Vice President Duterte, with major implications for the future. A robust security presence is established due to rising tensions and pre-election violence, while the polls predict potential outcomes for the political future of both politicians.

Millions of voters in the Philippines are gearing up to head to the polls on Monday as the mid-term election unfolds against the backdrop of a significant feud between President Ferdinand Marcos and impeached Vice President Sara Duterte. This election is being viewed by many as a referendum on their contentious relationship, which has seen escalating tensions in recent months. With over 18,000 positions, ranging from House Representatives to local government roles, up for grabs, the stakes could not be higher.

The Senate race is particularly crucial, as the twelve senators elected will serve as half of the jury in an upcoming impeachment trial for Duterte, tentatively scheduled for July. This trial holds the potential to permanently bar her from holding public office. Duterte was impeached by the House largely over allegations of corruption and plotting against Marcos, a dramatic escalation of their previously cordial alliance.

Adding to the complexity, former President Rodrigo Duterte was recently taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face accusations of crimes against humanity linked to his notorious anti-drug campaign. His arrest has intensified the political drama surrounding this election. For Vice President Sara Duterte, securing a minimum of nine votes in the 24-seat Senate will be critical to maintain any presidential ambitions in the future.

As the election day draws near, current polling shows that seven of the top candidates have been endorsed by Marcos while four are aligned with Sara Duterte. There have been strategic moves to bolster alliances; most notably, Imee Marcos, the president’s sister, has been “adopted” into Sara Duterte’s political party to consolidate positions against potential impeachment threats.

During her final campaign rally in Manila, Sara Duterte raised alarms about possible “massive” electoral fraud and likened her father’s detention to a form of “kidnapping.” Meanwhile, her father, despite being held at The Hague, remains on the ballot in Davao City, where he is trying to return as mayor. Local polls indicate that he may well achieve a noteworthy victory.

National police forces across the Philippines have been on high alert as they prepare for the elections, with approximately 163,000 officers deployed to safeguard polling stations and assist election officials. The military and various local agencies have also been mobilized to counteract the history of violence often associated with these contentious elections.

In the lead-up to Monday’s voting, at least sixteen individuals have reportedly been killed due to election-related violence, including candidates and officials. Notably, a municipal councillor candidate was among two men killed in a shootout with police and military forces in the southern Mindanao region, a notorious area for election violence. On a different front, authorities at Cebu airport apprehended a group attempting to transport a staggering 441 million pesos, which associates with illegal vote-buying activities under election laws. Both incidents are currently under investigation.

As Filipinos prepare to cast their votes on Monday, the election stands as a critical turning point amid the Marcos-Duterte feud. With political tensions rising, potential violence a concern, and major implications for the future of Duterte’s political career, the stakes are undeniably high. The outcome of this mid-term election may very well shape the political landscape leading up to the presidential election in 2028, as both factions seek to secure their positions.

Original Source: sg.news.yahoo.com