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CAMPAIGNING for the Philippines’ mid-term elections officially kicked off on February 11, marking the start of a political season that could shape the country’s future leadership.
As more than 18,000 positions are up for election, all eyes are on the race for the Senate, where the political future of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte hangs in the balance.
The May 12 elections will fill a variety of positions across the nation, but the Senate race is particularly significant as it will directly impact the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, the eldest daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Impeached by the House of Representatives last week, Sara Duterte faces charges including violations of the constitution, betrayal of public trust, and graft.
The outcome of the Senate trial is now in the hands of the newly elected senators, as a conviction would bar Duterte from holding public office, including a potential presidential run that she has openly considered.
To secure a conviction, at least 16 votes from the 24-seat Senate are required.
"The composition of the next Senate will be pivotal," AFP cited Dennis Coronacion, a political science expert at Manila’s University of Santo Tomas saying today. "The fate of VP Sara will be determined by these elections."
In response to her impeachment, the Duterte camp urged voters to carefully consider their choices for Senate candidates, emphasising that the next Senate could be crucial in deciding the vice president's future.
The plea resonated with many Filipinos, such as Gina Tamayo, a 43-year-old fruit vendor, who stated she would not support candidates likely to vote for Duterte’s impeachment. “I don’t believe the allegations against her,” Tamayo said.
Meanwhile, Charity Vargas, a 39-year-old voter, indicated her decisions would be based on candidates’ integrity and past performance rather than the impeachment issue. "I know who I should vote for... those who have proven themselves and are honest," she said.
A Campaign Full of High Stakes
While the official campaigning on February 11 focused mainly on Senate hopefuls and party-list candidates—representing various interest groups like taxi drivers and midwives—the election season is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
In March, candidates for the remaining 254 House of Representatives seats and thousands of local government positions will join the fray, leading to a surge in colourful posters and campaign jingles that will fill the streets and airwaves.
However, the upbeat campaign atmosphere masks a darker reality. The competition for political office is often intense and can be violent, particularly in local races where control over regional budgets is at stake.
Already, police have launched investigations into 12 election-related incidents, including the fatal shooting of a local candidate.
Colonel Jean Fajardo, a police spokeswoman, stated that several private armed groups supporting various politicians were under surveillance. "These groups can harass candidates or, worse, create violence to influence the election outcomes," she warned.
The 2022 presidential election saw deadly incidents, with three security guards and a voter killed, and another nine injured in a grenade attack at a polling station in Mindanao, underscoring the potential for election-related violence in this year's race.
Senate Races: Popular Names and Political Dynasties
Despite the serious issues facing the nation, polls show that Senate races often boil down to name recognition, with many candidates relying on their popularity to secure votes. Former television personalities like Erwin Tulfo and his brother Ben Tulfo, alongside their sibling Senator Raffy Tulfo, are among the top contenders for Senate seats.
Other high-profile candidates include former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who is attempting a Senate comeback on a slate endorsed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Marcos’s sister, Imee Marcos, has also gained momentum, recovering from early polling struggles.
Political dynasties remain a dominant force in the Philippines, with the Marcos family among at least 24 political families running multiple candidates.
The Duterte family is also maintaining its stronghold in Davao, where multiple members will seek office, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is running for mayor of Davao—the position that launched his political career.
If elected, he could be joined at City Hall by his son, Sebastian Duterte, who is vying for the vice mayor position.
The ongoing campaign season is shaping up to be a high-stakes affair, with potential long-term implications for the Duterte family’s influence and the political direction of the Philippines.
With the Senate trial of Vice President Sara Duterte looming, the outcome of this election could have a profound effect on the future of the country’s leadership. – February 11, 2025
