Philippine Presidential Candidates Kick Off Campaigns

Colorful and boisterous rallies officially kicked off the race for the Philippine presidential election as candidates fanned out nationwide Tuesday to court votes to replace outgoing leader Rodrigo Duterte.

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator, launched his presidential campaign at a sports stadium north of Manila along with running mate Sara Duterte-Carpio, Duterte’s daughter who is vying to become the country’s next vice-president.

The two appeared before a crowd of about 25,000 supporters clad in red and green, the campaign’s colors. The kickoff at the Philippine Arena featured strobe lights, bands, dancers, and fireworks set off outside.

Speaking in Filipino, Marcos called on his countrymen to band together in the face of the country’s challenges. If elected, he would aim to help the Philippines rise up from poverty and challenges including COVID-19. 

“Unity has been my objective so we can get past this pandemic crisis,” he said. “We only overcame adversity with unity.” 

Other presidential candidates include Vice President Leni Robredo, retired boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, who is a former actor; Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a former police chief; and labor leader Leody de Guzman.

Duterte-Carpio told supporters inside the arena that her running mate had the experience needed for office.

“Why BBM (Bongbong Marcos)? Because I believe in his capability to lead as president,” Duterte-Carpio said, noting that Marcos Jr. had served as a legislator and as a local official. 

“The kind of experience we need not only to sustain the growth and development spurred by the current administration, but also to bring a more prosperous future. We must protect President Bongbong Marcos,” she said without elaborating.

The sports venue where she was speaking is owned by the Christian sect Iglesia ni Cristo, whose members are reputed for voting in a bloc.

In a video message, Marcos Jr.’s mother, Imelda, expressed confidence that the two running mates would win the May 9 polls. 

“I have already been campaigning a lot and from what I feel from the people I’ve been talking to, we have a good chance to win,” said Imelda Marcos, 92, the former first lady of the Philippines who is still a political force here. 

She said that she would campaign for her son and Duterte-Carpio, who is popular in the southern Philippines. 

The elder Ferdinand Marcos ruled the Philippines from 1965 to 1986, when he fled the country following a democratic uprising. He died three years later in Hawaii. His widow, Imelda, was convicted of large-scale graft in 2018, but remains free.

Tuesday was the first time that Marcos Jr. appeared before the public after he twice snubbed invitations by Philippine media for interviews. Still, surveys show that he remains on top of the presidential race. 

Robredo starts at home

In eastern Bicol region, Marcos’ closest rival, Robredo rallied her supporters at a village that her office helped construct for victims of back-to-back devastating typhoons. 

“I’m happy to be back here in Angat Buhay Village in Lupi. We chose this village and Bicol region as the kickoff point of our campaign for a reason. Bicol is my birthplace,” said Robredo, who became Duterte’s vice president after defeating Marcos Jr. in the 2016 general election.

“This is where I grew up, studied, and raised my family. This is where I found a job. For this, I am happy to be back to seek your support as I face the most difficult fight of my life,” she said. 

Robredo said she could “weather whatever challenges” that her rivals throw at her because she has the public’s backing. 

Surrounded by palm trees and rice fields, Angat Buhay Village in Lupi has 120 houses constructed for families affected by recent typhoons. Robredo called this a “product of collaboration” of the national and local government and a showcase of what the private sector, the international community and communities can achieve together. 

“Many of us have lost hope. Some say ‘our lives would never change no matter who wins the [elections].’ But until we have replaced the old and rotten system of politics, until we have inspired and instilled hope among the citizens, nothing will change.

“So, this morning as we start our campaign, I implore everyone to join this fight because this battle is for all of us,” she said. “I am confident because I am with you. If a leader is honest to her vows as a public servant, she can do a lot with meager resources.” 

Many of Robredo’s supporters wore pink or carried pinks signs – the candidate’s campaign color. Even rice fields were decorated with pink flags and ribbons to welcome the vice president. 

In the May 9 general election, more than 18,000 electoral posts are up for grabs, from town mayors to governors and members of Congress.

But the most closely watched race is the one to determine who will replace Duterte because he is constitutionally barred from seeking a second six-year term. Analysts have said that Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio would work to protect Duterte, who is under investigation by an international court over thousands of drug war-related killings.