Philippines election expected to strengthen Duterte

World
Europe

01:43

Nearly 62 million Filipinos are heading to the midterm polls on Monday in an election which is expected to strengthen President Rodrigo Duterte's term and open the way for him to deliver on pledges to rewrite the constitution.

The 74-year-old Filipino leader's name is not on the ballot, but he still needs to worry about the positions of his supporters from the over 43,000 candidates, each vying for one of roughly 18,000 posts, including half of the seats in the upper house Senate, in one of Asia's most rambunctious democracies.

Earlier at an election rally, Duterte's daughter, Sara, has called the voters to support for her father: "The president is asking for your support, to support the candidates who are here, who pledge to be supportive of this administration."

Sara Duterte (left), Davao City mayor and daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, attends a senatorial campaign caravan for Hugpong Ng Pagbabago (HNP) in Davao City, Philippines, on May 9, 2019. /Reuters Photo‍

The most crucial race is for 12 seats in the 24-member Senate, which Duterte wants to fill with allies to bolster his legislative agenda. That includes the return of the death penalty and lowering the age of criminal liability for child offenders.

If he loses the Senate's support and the House of Representatives, the political foundations propping up his presidency could vanish overnight.

Historically, the nation's 24 senators, who serve six-year terms, have had a reputation for being more independent-minded than the lower house.

Winning a Senate majority, something that independent national surveys indicate is well within reach, would give Duterte legislative backing for his anti-crime proposals and his plan to rewrite the constitution.

Philippine Senator Leila De Lima, a critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, hugs a supporter after casting her vote at a polling precinct, Manila, Philippines, May 13, 2019. /VCG Photo

Some local voters believe that they need a "candidate who respects human lives, someone who appreciates human rights."

The man whose politics has seen him labeled the 'Trump of the East' is vulnerable to criticism. His brutal "War on Drugs" has seen thousands killed and is a subject of fierce attacks from his opponents.

But the latest polls show more than half of Duterte-backed Senate candidates are likely to win their seats. The president himself still remains hugely popular. Divided, cash-strapped and without a unified leader, opposition aspirants are fighting an uphill battle.

The results for municipal and city mayors and councils are expected within hours of polls closing at 6:00 p.m. Monday, with winners for the Senate and congressional seats likely to be declared from Friday.