On May 9, the Philippines will vote to elect a new president for the next 6 years. This will be a fiercely contested race as they seek to succeed Rodrigo Duterte.
How does the Election System Work?
Each voter has one vote per election. The voter is free to combine their tickets. The most votes will decide the president and vice president; there will be no run-off election. The president and vice president may come from different parties. Suppose two or more candidates obtain an equal number of votes. In that case, they are elected by the Senate and House of Representatives, voting separately.
Who are the Presidential Candidates?
Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr
Partido Federal Ng Pilipinas
Born: September 13, 1957
Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, known as Bongbong Marcos (BBM), is a Filipino politician. He served as a senator from 2010 to 2016. He is the son of the former president, dictator, and kleptocrat Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Bongbong Marcos’s father declared martial law throughout the nation in September 1972 due to mounting protests from civil rights advocates and threats of communist insurgency. According to Amnesty International, approximately 70,000 “enemies of the state” were detained; 34,000 were tortured, and more than 1,300 were murdered.
Bongbong Marco went on to study philosophy, politics, and economics at St Edmund Hall, Oxford (PPE). Marcos claims that he graduated from Oxford, despite Oxford declaring in 2015 that he never finished his education.
The following is a list of government jobs BBM has held throughout the years:
• 2010-2016: Senator of the Philippines
• 2007-2010: Congressman, Ilocos Norte (2nd District)
• 1998-2007: Governor, Ilocos Norte
• 1992-1995: Congressman, Ilocos Norte (2nd District)
• 1983-1986: Governor, Ilocos Norte
• 1980-1983: Vice-Governor, Ilocos Norte
As a legislator, BBM was credited with drafting several landmark laws, including the Philippine Archipelagic Baselines Law (R.A. 9522). This essential piece of legislation determines what constitutes the Philippine territorial sea due to ongoing worldwide conflicts.
BBM took advantage of Iloilo’s natural resources, turning Ilocos Norte into a first-class province while he was governor. BBM revolutionized both agricultural and tourism sectors in Ilocos Norte.
BBM promotes the use of renewable energy for sustainable development and builds wind farms in various parts of the province to preserve Ilocos Norte’s energy supply and that of the rest of Luzon.
Marco’s family were also accused of stealing up to $10 billion from the government’s funds, which they denied even though authorities have already recovered more than $3.3 billion in unexplained money. Bongbong Marcos was convicted for tax evasion in 1997 and did not go to jail as the appeals court modified the decision.
Sara Duterte (Vice-President Candidate)
Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats
Born: May 31 1978
Inday Sara (Sara Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio) is a Filipino lawyer and politician who has served as the mayor of Davao City. She is the daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
Duterte attended San Pedro College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy and graduated in 1999. She later completed her degree in law at the San Sebastian College – Recoletos in May 2005. In 2005, Duterte passed the Philippine Bar Examination. She spent a few months working as a court attorney for Associate Justice Romeo Callejo Sr.’s office.
Under Duterte’s administration, Davao is the eighth richest city in the country, moving up one position from the prior year. The Department of Trade and Industry ranked Davao as the fourth most urbanized city in 2021, based on economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency measures.
The following is a list of her work experience :
- Mayor, Davao City, 2010 – 2013; 2016 – present
- Partner, Carpio & Duterte Lawyers, 2013 – 2016
- Chairman, Board-Regional Development Committee-Mindanao Area Committee of the National Economic and Development Authority
- Chairperson, Regional Development Council
- Vice Mayor, Davao City, 2007 – 2010
- Court Attorney, Office of the Associate Justice Romeo J. Carpio Sr., Supreme Court
Duterte’s most important initiatives include empowering and protecting women from Violence Against Women and Children in Davao City. The creation of an Integrated Gender and Development Division under the Office of the mayor and the passage of the Davao City Women Development Code. Furthermore, Healthcare and medical infrastructure in Davao City, to assist impoverished individuals in the city’s 17 districts with paperwork for medical care, set up Botika ng Bayan centres and Malasakit Centers.
On March 10, 2022, she discussed her sexuality in a meet-and-greet with fans. She identified as a member of the LGBT community, with her gender expression being male and sexuality being female.
Leni Robredo
Independent
Born: 23 April 1965
Leni Robredo is a Filipino lawyer and politician who serves as the 14th Vice President of the Philippines, making her the first woman to hold the second-highest executive office.
Robredo was born in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
Robredo graduated with a degree in economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1986. She then took up law at the University of Nueva Caceres, graduating in 1992.
After passing the bar exam, Robredo worked as an intern at the law firm of Romulo, Mabanta, Buenaventura, Sayoc & De los Angeles. She later became a lawyer for the Public Attorney’s Office in Naga City.
In 1998, Robredo ran for and was elected as vice mayor of Naga City. She served in that capacity until 2001, when she ran for and was elected as mayor. She served as mayor until 2004 when then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed her as head of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
She resigned from her post in 2005 to run for Congress, representing the 2nd District of Camarines Sur. She was elected to the House of Representatives in May 2006 and served until June 2010.
In 2012, Robredo ran for vice governor of Camarines Sur but lost to Luis Villafuerte.
In 2014, she successfully ran for Congress again, representing the 3rd District of Camarines Sur. She served as a congresswoman until May 2016, when she resigned to run for vice president.
Robredo won the vice presidency in the 2016 Philippine presidential election, defeating Bongbong Marcos. She was sworn into office on June 30 2016.
As Vice President, Robredo chairs the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Anti-Poverty Commission. She also leads the Angat Buhay initiative, which assists communities in need.
Robredo has been critical of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly on its war on drugs, particularly the policy of Oplan Tokhang. On December 5 2016, she was removed from her post as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs.
She promised to continue the hard-line approach against drugs during her campaign, but she’d put a greater emphasis on rehabilitation and prevention.
Robredo is a member of the Liberal Party.
Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso
Aksyon Demokratiko
Born: 24 October 1974
Francisco Domagoso, popularly known as Isko Moreno, is a Filipino politician and actor. He serves as the current mayor of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. He was elected to a three-year term in May 2019.
Moreno was born on October 24 1974, in Tondo, Manila. His father was a construction worker, while his mother was a housewife. He is the youngest of four siblings.
Moreno finished his primary education at the Tondo Parochial School and his secondary education at the Holy Spirit School in Bacood, Santa Mesa. He then studied at the Far Eastern University, where he earned a degree in political science.
Moreno began his career as an actor and model, appearing in films and television shows. In 1998, he won the Best New Male TV Personality award at the 28th Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation Box Office Entertainment Awards.
Moreno entered politics in 2007 when he ran for and was elected as vice mayor of Manila. He served as vice mayor until 2010 when he ran for and was elected mayor. He served as mayor until 2013 when Joseph Estrada defeated him in the mayoral election.
In 2016, Moreno ran for and was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the first district of Manila. He served as a congressman until 2019, when he resigned to run for mayor again.
Moreno is a member of the PDP–Laban.
Manny Pacquiao
Abag Promdi
Born: December 17 1978
Manny Pacquiao is a Filipino professional boxer and politician. He is currently a senator of the Philippines and was elected to a six-year term in May 2019.
Pacquiao was born on 17 December 1978 in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines. His father was a labourer, while his mother was a housewife. He is the fourth of six children.
Pacquiao dropped out of high school to pursue a career in boxing. He made his professional debut as a 16-year-old in 1995 and has since fought in multiple weight classes, becoming the first and only eight-division world champion in boxing history.
Pacquiao’s professional boxing record currently stands at 62 wins (39 knockouts), 7 losses, and 2 draws. He is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time.
In 2010, Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives, representing the province of Sarangani. He was re-elected in 2013 and served until 2016, when he was elected to the Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 2019.
Pacquiao has expressed support for the LGBTQ community, but not same-sex marriage, based on his Christian faith.
He had supported the reinstatement of the death penalty for manufacturing and trafficking in illicit drugs, but like other aspiring politicians, he changed his mind in November 2021.
Pacquiao is opposed to divorce. Pacquiao stated that while he would not prevent lawmakers from passing a divorce law if elected president, he would not support its passage.
Manny Pacquiao expressed his desire to “review” how much money was stolen by the Marcos family so that it could be returned to the Philippines. This amount (about $300 billion) is already public knowledge. The remainder yet to be retrieved is maintained by the Presidential Commission on Good Government, a quasi-judicial agency tasked with recovering ill-gotten wealth.
Pacquiao is a member of the PDP–Laban.
Montemayor Jose JR
Democratic Party of the Philippines
Montemayor Jose JR is a Filipino politician.
Dr Jose Montemayor Jr. is a cardiologist. He states that his medical, legal and economic background will help him succeed in the presidential race.
Montemayor has stated his opposition to same-sex marriages, divorce, the death penalty, and abortion (except in cases of medical necessity).
Jose began his political career when he was elected as a Santa Cruz Municipal Council member in 1988. He served as a councillor until 1992, when he was elected as vice mayor. He served as vice mayor until 1995 when he was elected mayor. He served as mayor until 2001.
In 2001, Jose was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the second district of Laguna. He served as a congressman until 2010, when he was defeated in his bid for re-election.
In 2016, Jose ran for and was elected as governor of Laguna. He is currently serving his first term.
The following is a list of his work experience :
- President and Member, Board of Trustees, Philippine Society of Cardiac Catheterization and Interventions, 2010-2012
- Consultant in Clinical Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology:
- St. Luke’s Medical Center
- National Kidney Institute
- Philippine Heart Center
- Consultant in Internal Medicine and Clinical Cardiology, National Kidney and Transplant Institute
- Legal Counsel and Legal Officer, Philippine Heart Center
- Professor of Law:
- San Sebastian College
- University of Manila
- polytechnic University of the Philippines
- Philippine Christian University
- University of the Philippines (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education)
- New Era University
- Professor, Graduate Studies (MBA, LLM, PhD):
- San Sebastian College
- Palawan State University
- San Beda College
He vowed to deliver on a 10-point objective to combat COVID-19, stamp out corruption, improve the anti-drug campaign, achieve full employment, alleviate poverty and develop economic prosperity. His agenda includes a comprehensive approach to the West Philippine Sea, migrant Filipinos’ well-being, press freedom, and education reform.
Mangontado, Faisal
Katipunan Ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi
Faisal Mangondato is a business owner running for the Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi party’s. He was born in Ramain Ditsaan, Lanao del Sur, and currently resides in Marawi City.
In 2016, he attempted to become the governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as an independent. In 2019, he sought a Senate seat but failed to secure enough votes to win.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from the Philippine Women’s University.
Mangondato supports federalism, which he claims is the answer to the problem in Mindanao, where the government has been engaged in talks with rebel organizations for years.
De Guzman, Leody
Partido Lakas Ng Masa
De Guzman, Leody is the current mayor of Bay, Laguna.
Leody de Guzman was born on October 28, 1966, in Manila, Philippines. He is the eldest son of former Laguna governor Arturo de Guzman Jr. and his wife, Fely.
Leody de Guzman is a labour leader who has advocated for labour rights and benefits since 1984. He serves as chair of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, a socialist labour centre and federation of revolutionary trade unions.
De Guzman has promised to take on the privileged by raising taxes for billionaires, imposing a minimum wage, and outlawing contractualization. He has also said that he will cut police and military personnel in half while surrendering enforcers and critical figures in the current drug war.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration from the Philippine Maritime Institute.
After graduation, he worked as an analyst at the Philippine National Bank and then a financial analyst at Phinma Corporation. He later became a business consultant and project manager for various companies.
In 1995, he was elected as a member of the Bay Municipal Council. He served as a councillor until 2001, when he was elected as vice mayor. He served as vice mayor until 2007 when he was elected mayor. He is currently serving his third term as mayor.
The Five Most Important Advocacies
- Anti-contractualization – Laid-off Wateric Resources Corporation workers erected a Leody Protest Camp to voice their opposition.
- Rice tariffication law – Held a debate to discuss why the Rice Tariffication Law should be abolished and how to revitalize agriculture and assist peasant farmers.
- Rate hikes in utilities – More stringent regulation and control of the whole oil sector in response to “insufficient” one-time gasoline subsidies that did not
compensate for lost earnings. - Abolishing NTF-ELCAC – The International Criminal Court should investigate the prosecution of President Duterte, Senate Minority Leader de la Rosa, retired Lt. Gen Antonio Parlade, and other regime officials and enforcers of the war on drugs.
- Destructive Mining – Transition to the “green economy” with the closure of all coal-fired plants.
Lacson, Ping
Independent
Mr. Lacson has worked in the legislative and executive branches of government for over 40 years. He is now serving his third term in the Senate.
Ping Lacson was born in Imus, Cavite on June 1, 1948. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1971 and served in the Philippine Constabulary.
He was appointed as the chief of the Philippine National Police in 1999 by then-President Joseph Estrada. He resigned in 2001 amid allegations of corruption.
In 2010, he was elected to the Senate and re-elected in 2016. He is currently serving his second term.
Lacson has been critical of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, saying it has been “ineffective and counterproductive.” He has also called for an end to extrajudicial killings and the revival of the death penalty. Lacson has declared his support for Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s idea of establishing regional penitentiaries to keep high-level drug traffickers and severe criminal offenders imprisoned indefinitely.
Lacson has a Bachelor of Science, Philippine Military Academy, 1971 and Master in Government Management, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila,1996 and, Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 2019
Gonzales, Norberto
Patido Demoktratiko Sosyalista Pilipinas
Born: April 17, 1947
Norberto Gonzales is a democratic socialist who has spent much of his life working with the labour movement, conflict negotiations, and national security advising under the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration. He is the chairman of the Philippines Democratic Socialist Party.
Gonzales received a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine, Ateneo de Davao University, 1968, and a Master in National Security Administration, National Defense College of the Philippines, 2006.
He was also one of the leaders of Oplan Bantay Laya, a government-wide counterinsurgency operation that has drawn criticism for alleged legal and human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and unlawful political imprisonment.
Gonzales is a member of the National Transformation Council, calling for a change in the government’s structure. He supports charter change to see Multi-sectoral representation in government through charter change.
Gonzales’ top priorities are national security, including food security and the COVID-19 epidemic. He has committed to improving agriculture to increase food production and income for farmers.
Abella, Ernie
Independent
Born : 1948/1949, Davao City
Ernie Abella is a businessman, author, and pastor who has been a long-time supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte. Before becoming a government worker, he was a co-owner of an agricultural products manufacturer in Davao City and a local cooperative. He also started his own school in Davao and wrote columns for the SunStar Davao newspaper.
He established the Hope of Asia and its charismatic Christian organization Jesus Fellowship, Inc. He also served on the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches’ board and as a trustee of the Koinonia Theological Seminary.
Education:
- B.A. in Pre-Medicine, Ateneo de Davao University, 1968
- Masters in Divinity, Siliman University, 1984
- Masters in Social Development, Asian Institute of Management, 2005
Work Experience:
- Undersecretary of Strategic Communications and Research, Department of Foreign Affairs (October 2017-October 8, 2021)
- Presidential spokesperson, Oct. 2016 to Oct. 2017
- Founder, One ACCORD Credit Cooperative
- Founder, Southpoint secondary school
- Columnist, Sunstar Davao
- CEO, F&P Agri-inputs, 2011 to 213
- CEO, AZ Agri-Products, 2004 to 2007
- Columnist, San Pedro Express
- Professor, Ateneo de Davao University
