Philippine Midterm Elections Begin Amid Political Turmoil

Campaigning for Senate seats takes center stage as Vice President Sara Duterte faces impeachment and a potential ban from public office.

The May 12 midterm elections will decide over 18,000 positions, with 12 Senate seats being pivotal to Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
Vice President Duterte was impeached last week on charges including constitutional violations and corruption, following a fallout with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
A two-thirds Senate majority, or 16 votes, is required to convict Duterte, which would bar her from running for president in 2028.
The election is seen as a referendum on Marcos' leadership and a preview of a potential 2028 presidential race between his allies and Duterte's camp.
The campaign season has already seen reports of election-related violence, highlighting the high stakes and contentious nature of the contests.