Philippines election a rematch of late dictator’s son and rights lawyer By Reuters

By Karen Lema

MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine voters head to the polls on Monday in a presidential election shaping up as a rematch between the son and namesake of the nation’s late dictator and the human rights lawyer who narrowly beat him within the 2016 vice presidential contest.

Opinion polls within the days forward of the vote confirmed Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr comfortably forward of his rivals, giving him an actual likelihood at turning the tables on Vice President Leni Robredo, who’s operating second within the polls.

“It is extremely seldom that elections are actually determined by rational calculations, by the scrutiny of a candidate’s public file,” mentioned retired political professor Temario Rivera. “There’s plenty of emotion concerned and that’s the reason the narratives you might be most snug with usually are decisive.”

The 64-year outdated Marcos, whose baritone voice is strikingly much like his father’s, has homed in on a single message all all through his marketing campaign – unity.

“Bongbong Marcos would be the president of Filipinos no matter your political color, race or creed,” a spokesperson mentioned.

A victory for Marcos, who has maintained his lead whereas largely avoiding debates with key contenders, would full a once-unthinkable rebranding of his household title, 36 years after a “folks energy” rebellion toppled his father and drove his household into exile.

Robredo, 57, who describes the 1986 rebellion as her political awakening, is assured of one other victory over Marcos. Her marketing campaign, constructed on a promise of an sincere and clear authorities, seems to have gained extra momentum in latest weeks attracting large crowds to rallies.

Pink-wearing supporters of Robredo, the one feminine candidate in a area of 10 presidential contenders, have gone house-to-house in a bid to woo extra voters.

“In 2022, the final man standing will nonetheless be a girl,” she mentioned early within the marketing campaign.

Different candidates operating for president embody former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso and Senator Panfilo Lacson, although they’re presently properly behind within the polls.

Incumbent president Rodrigo Duterte has not endorsed a presidential candidate, however his political occasion is backing Marcos, and his daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, is Marcos’s operating mate.

Duterte-Carpio remained the best choice for vp in latest polls, a place elected individually from the president, and could possibly be key to a Marcos victory if she succeeds in rallying her supporters behind him.

Whoever wins the elections will face the daunting process of rebuilding the economic system, which earlier than the pandemic was one in all Asia’s quickest. Taming inflation and charting a overseas coverage amid a burgeoning China-U.S. superpower rivalry in Southeast Asia will even be key.