© Reuters. Supporters of presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator, and Vice-presidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio, daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, watch a fireworks show du
2/6
By Neil Jerome Morales and Lisa Marie David
MANILA (Reuters) -Crowds of a whole bunch of 1000’s massed within the Philippines on Saturday the place the main presidential candidates made a last-ditch bid to sway undecided voters with patriotic, upbeat messages after a divisive election race.
Fireworks lit up the sky as singers, celebrities and social media stars took to levels throughout the capital Manila forward of the election on Monday, which pits Vice President Leni Robredo towards frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the son of the infamous late dictator who dominated the Philippines for 20 years.
If opinion surveys are correct, Robredo, 57, will want a late surge, or low turnout to win the presidency, with Marcos, a former congressman and senator, main her by over 30 proportion factors, having topped each ballot this yr.
The 2 embody a political chasm that has existed greater than 4 many years, with Robredo’s roots within the motion that led a 1986 “individuals energy” rebellion that toppled the elder Marcos, and Marcos Jr on the cusp of an nearly unthinkable return for the as soon as disgraced first household.
Marcos forged his marketing campaign as an opportunity to bridge that divide.
“We’ll attain the day that once we be part of forces, once we once more face the world and shout to our pals and wave our flag, we will probably be proud to say we’re Filipinos,” Marcos advised a roaring red-shirted crowd that waved nationwide flags.
Opponents of Marcos say the presidency is the endgame in a years-long effort to vary historic narratives of authoritarianism and plunder which have dogged his household, which regardless of its fall from grace stays one of many wealthiest and most influential in Philippine politics.
Marcos Jr has been criticised for his lack of a coverage platform and for dodging debates and media appearances, a technique that has minimised scrutiny and allowed him to generate assist on social media amongst voters born lengthy after his father’s rule.
BITTER RIVALRY
Monday will probably be a rematch of the 2016 vice presidential election which Marcos appeared set to win, earlier than shedding by simply 200,000 votes to Robredo. He alleged dishonest and fought laborious to overturn the consequence, which the Supreme Courtroom upheld.
“This battle is just not about one individual or candidate. I’m only a automobile of the love that engulfs Filipinos,” Robredo advised a whole bunch of 1000’s of supporters at a rally that turned swathes of town’s enterprise district pink, her marketing campaign color.
If the election displays the opinion polls, Marcos, 64, might be the primary Philippines president to be elected with a majority vote because the finish of his father’s rule.
“I’m so comfortable as a result of he is near taking workplace as the subsequent president. I’m positive of that, so long as there isn’t any dishonest,” mentioned Marcos supporter Emma Montes, 43, a family helper, after attending Marcos’ rally.
About 65 million Filipinos are eligible to forged ballots on Monday to determine on the successor to President Rodrigo Duterte after six years in energy, plus 1000’s of different posts, from lawmakers and governors to metropolis mayors and councillors.
Christian Dave Palero, 22, a name centre agent wearing a pink jacket, mentioned he nonetheless believed Robredo had an opportunity to triumph.
“We’re exhausted however we’re comfortable and fulfilled,” he mentioned. “We’re assured Leni can win.”
