Philippine Mid-Term Elections: Marcos-Duterte Rivalry Intensifies
The Philippines holds mid-term elections with 18,000 positions up for grabs, including 12 crucial Senate seats. Former President Rodrigo Duterte is on the ballot for Davao mayor, while tensions between the Marcos and Duterte families spice up the political rivalry. This election could impact future presidencies and the potential impeachment of Sara Duterte.
The Philippines kicked off its mid-term elections today, with over 18,000 positions at stake. Voting began at 7 AM local time, running until 7 PM. Among the most pivotal races are 12 Senate seats, which could have a significant impact on Vice-President Sara Duterte’s ongoing impeachment proceedings. In addition, mayors, vice-mayors, and councilors will also be selected across various cities and municipalities.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s name is on the ballot for mayor of Davao, the city he once ruled for decades, despite facing trial at the International Criminal Court. Davao’s political landscape will remain closely watched, especially as 254 of the 317 House of Representatives seats are directly elected by districts, while the remaining 63 come from party-list votes.
Under the Duterte banner, candidates include trusted aide Bong Go and former police chief Ronald dela Rosa, both notable figures in the controversial anti-drug campaign. Their slate, dubbed “DuterTen,” features loyalists, a movie star, a pop singer, and fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy, as well as members from the historic pro-democracy party PDP-Laban.
On the other side, Bongbong Marcos has assembled a lineup filled with former celebrities, seasoned politicians, and scions from traditional political families. The Coalition known as the “Alliance for the New Philippines” has been formed specifically for these elections — made up of powerful political families and business interests aiming to play a major role in governance.
This election holds immense significance for both the Marcos and Duterte families, once united as a potent political alliance. Following a massive electoral victory in 2022, tension has arisen; the duo had initially aimed to marry their legacies—Marcos from the north and Duterte from the south. However, political dynamics have shifted since their win, leading to a complicated and public spat.
Rodrigo Duterte’s attempts to re-enter Davao’s political scene while under ICC scrutiny underline a marked shift in family fortunes. If both he and son Sebastian win, they could secure nearly four decades of Duterte control over the city, maintaining a grip on power and influence there. Davao City is infamous for its tough stance on crime, which critics argue stems from abuses linked to the former president’s policies.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: Bongbong Marcos needs this election not only as a test of his leadership but also to build enough political fortitude to potentially sway the impeachment efforts against Sara Duterte. Meanwhile, Sara finds herself at a crossroads, needing to demonstrate her family’s political viability ahead of her anticipated presidential bid.
The Philippine midterms bring deep political divides into focus, especially the Marcos-Duterte rift. With numerous local offices and Senate seats contested, the outcomes could shape the political landscape for years. A win for Sara Duterte may solidify her family’s standing, while Bongbong Marcos’ need for support underscores the fragile alliances in play. As these elections unfold, the implications for both families—and their respective legacies—will be closely monitored by political observers.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
