On May 9, the Philippines will oversee general elections for the post of president and vice president. With incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte being ineligible to run, as the Philippine constitution does not allow more than one term, the race for the designated office will be decided amongst 10 candidates.
A separate election for the subordinate yet significant post of vice president will be fought between 9 candidates, thus allowing for two distinct political parties to fill each slot.
On the second Monday of May, 65 million eligible voters from a growing population of around 110 million will seek to elect their 17th president as well as 16th vice president. Their choices include the likes of incumbent vice president Leni Robredo, boxing star Manny Pacquiao, Mayor of Manila Francisco Domagoso (commonly known as Iska Moreno) as well as the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. According to opinion polls conducted by Pulse Asia, Social Weather Stations, etc. the aforementioned runners are dominating the graphs, that represent the fickle interest of the people.
Second Chance for Macros Family
Among these four potential leaders, Marcos comfortably dominated against his respective opponents. The former senator who served from 2010 to 2016 will fight his campaign under the Partido Federal ng Philippines (PFP). The 64 years old politician had earlier run for vice president in the 2016 elections and lost to current rival Leni Robredo by a narrow margin.
- Image Source: It’s official: Bongbong Marcos is running for vice president in 2016 – The Summit Express
Commonly known as ‘Bongbong’, the dynastic leader from Manila has been accused of running a misinformation campaign to gain the votes of those who may not remember the past under his father’s rule. The growing popularity of Macros represents a grave challenge for the voters of the Philippines nation.
Robredo’s Next Step on Ladder
The only threat to Macros’ presidential hopes appears to be his former rival Leni Robredo. In 2016, the 56 years old leader had become only the second woman in the history of the nation to step into the office of vice president. Similarly, her win would also register her as only the second female president. With experience in law, politics, and social activism, Robredo represents a highly competent candidate to the voting public.
Minor Yet Popular Threats
A candidate who could still be a thorn in the side of Macros and Robredo is Isko Moreno, a stage name of the Filipino politician and actor. Currently serving as the 22nd mayor of Manila, the actor-turned-leader will attempt to establish his presence in the larger political sphere of the nation. Another celebrity personality alongside Moreno is Manny Pacquiao, a former professional boxer turned politician, also nicknamed ‘PacMan’. At the age of just 43, he will be fighting in a different arena. Since 2016, he has been serving as Senator and decided to target the country’s topmost office.
Recently, both candidates have had to suppress rumors that suggested their withdrawal from the presidential race. This speculation included a scenario where the two leaders would back down and support Robredo, who is speculated to be the only viable option against Macros.
Conclusion
At the same time, the Philippines will also fill their ballot box for the post of vice president, with candidates such as Lito Atienza, and Walden Bello as well as Sara Duterte, who is the daughter of Rodrigo Duterte. The historic elections will mark a turning point in the political dynamic of the country at a time when the island nation is facing the threat of China and recovering from the pandemic.
Edited By: Vanshika Sahu
Published By: Raj Kishor
