MANILA, Philippines – The presidential election campaign in the Philippines officially began on Tuesday, three months ahead of the May 9 election to elect a new President to lead the Southeast Asian country for the next six years.
At least 67.5 million Filipinos, including 1.8 million abroad voters, are registered to vote. They will also pick a vice president, approximately 300 legislators, and nearly 18,000 municipal authorities. There are ten presidential contenders and nine vice presidential candidates.
According to polls, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the 64-year-old son of former President Ferdinand Marcos, is in the lead. Maria Leonor Robredo, the incumbent Vice President, is trailed by Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and five other candidates. The President and Vice President of the Philippines are elected separately in the Philippines.
Sara Duterte-Carpio, the 43-year-old daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, will run for vice president alongside Marcos Jr. Duterte has yet to support a presidential contender, despite the fact that his six-year term ends in June.
Some candidates, as in previous elections, began campaigning on television, social media, and radio months before the election season began.
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