Political Campaigns Heat Up as Senate Race Could Decide Impeachment Verdict

The election campaign kicked off on Tuesday in Manila as candidates hit the streets ahead of the May 12 midterm elections. This round of elections is especially significant because some of the aspiring senators will later be called upon to act as jurists in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, who now faces serious charges including violating the constitution and betraying public trust.

A wide range of individuals, from talk show hosts and movie stars to even a preacher previously convicted on charges related to sex trafficking, have entered the race for a dozen Senate seats. Beyond the Senate battle, more than 18,000 posts across the nation are also being contested, positioning the upcoming elections as pivotal for multiple levels of government.

16 out of 24 seats in the Senate are necessary to secure a conviction that could bar Sara Duterte from holding public office, and potentially prevent her presidential ambitions. Experts have noted that the future Senate’s composition will largely determine the outcome of the impeachment proceedings, underscoring the critical nature of the elections.

Amid political maneuvers, the Duterte camp has urged citizens to vote carefully, particularly for the Senate, where the fate of the impeached vice president will be decided. This advice has spurred varied responses among voters; while some, like a local fruit vendor, expressed unwavering support for Duterte, others remain focused on electing candidates with proven integrity rather than basing decisions solely on the impeachment issue.