6 days Ago By Glenda M. Gloria
window.rapplerAds.displayAd( "middle-1" );window.
rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-1" );I hope that you have not, this early, tuned out of news or emails as you prepare for a Holy Week of rest and reflection. If you have, I’d be the last to blame you; it’s been, after all, a bizarre first quarter for the Philippines and the world.
But hear me out. Barely four weeks from today, Filipino voters will be trooping to the polls for the midterm races for senators, local and congressional posts, and the party list. In fact, voting for overseas Filipinos already began on Sunday, April 13.
Watch this recap.The senatorial race is existential to the two family dynasties that, in truth, have been the bane of our existence. At stake in the May 12 senatorial elections is the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, scheduled in July.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. needs to win at least 11 senatorial seats to ensure a Sara Duterte conviction that could then obliterate her from the 2028 presidential polls. The President seemed headed that way until the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte last month, which turned the foul-mouthed strongman into underdog Tatay Digong.
The latest election survey spells trouble for the Marcos slate, which didn’t know what hit them. Para silang na-Yolanda, if you recall the super typhoon that hit in November 2013.Yet, there’s more to these elections than these two warring power blocs.
I ask that you find time in your quiet moments this week to learn more about what’s happening on the ground, what has — and has not — changed in the election landscape. Consider it an act of citizenship at a time when it’s most needed.Some Davids have not given up hope and are again making a bet against the Goliaths.
Ronald Rodriguez is running for governor of Camarines Sur against the Villafuerte dynasty, in particular, LRay Villafuerte. Angelee Abelinde introduces us to the former campaign manager of Leni Robredo.Ruy Elias Lopez has dared to run against former president Duterte for the mayoral post of Davao City.
Jairo Bolledo sits down with him in this interview.Is Baguio City ready to open its doors to a political dynasty? Frank Cimatu tells us what reelectionist Mayor Benjamin Magalong is up against.Can “Hello, Pagkain” resonate with voters who are constantly bombarded with false promises to lalaland? Kiko Pangilinan, who is not yet within the winning range in the latest senatorial survey, believes so.
Bonz Magsambol brings us to Pangilinan’s campaign sortie in Bulacan.In Cebu, the third most vote-rich province, races go deeper than having to choose sides in the Marcos-Duterte feud. John Sitchon tells us why.
These elections remind us that money continues to rule politics.Congressman Zaldy Co and his siblings are running for elective posts in the Bicol region as well as the party list. In a documentary, Dwight de Leon and Kaycee Valmonte unpack how governance gets murky when politics and business mix.
In Porac, Pampanga, a mayor charged with collaborating with alleged scam criminals is running for reelection. How come? Lian Buan says his supporters either don’t believe it or don’t care.How does a candidate lure enough votes beyond pressing palms and visiting communities? Campaign jingles are still a hit.
Juno Reyes interviews campaign jingle makers about what goes into creating a catchy jingle. A mayoral bet in Pasig City, on the other hand, tries negative campaigning. But would a family as entrenched as the Ynareses need any of these? Dwight de Leon features Rizal province’s enduring dynasty of 33 years.
window.rapplerAds.displayAd( "middle-2" );window.
rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-2" );What are some of the most pressing issues for voters? In Laguna, it’s health care. Watch Dwight de Leon’s report.
Elsewhere in the rapidly urbanizing region of Southern Tagalog, it’s the commercialization of farmlands. Why are they not voting for a party-list group? Jodesz Gavilan looks into why Filipinos skip the ballot line allotted for a party list vote.And what riles them up the most? Sexist remarks! Check the list of candidates who have made them.
Here are some of Rappler’s bests that you shouldn’t miss:Lian Buan explains with depth and clarity critical issues in the International Criminal Court case against Duterte. The former strongman has hired a second counsel, Dov Jacobs. Lian explains what this means.
She also interviews international expert Leila Sadat, who throws cold water on Duterte’s hopes for the charges against him to be dismissed.Jairo Bolledo talks to the fierce Clarita Alia, who minces no words in saying she doesn’t care if Duterte dies in The Hague.Pia Ranada warns that without sufficient budget, a master plan to make the Philippines more walkable will gather dust.
JC Punongbayan tells us why the Marcos promise of P20 per kilo of rice is unreachable. The online world has been abuzz with talk about how genetic engineering has brought back long-lost animals. Timothy Hearn writes that what we’re witnessing isn’t resurrection, it’s reimagination.
ADB sees Philippine economy growing 6% in 2025Quite a rosy prediction given what’s happened in the last week or so. How did Manny Villar reclaim the title of richest Filipino?Real estate magnate Manny Villar reclaimed the top spot among the 15 Filipino billionaires on Forbes’ list. How?7 sacred and soulful stops: Where to go in Baguio this Holy WeekThe City of Pines’ sacred stops beckon.
50 Greatest Players feted as who’s who in PBA history get togetherIs your favorite basketball player on this minted list?– Rappler.comRappler’s Best is a weekly newsletter of our top picks delivered straight to your inbox every Monday. Visit rappler.
com/newsletters to subscribe.The views expressed by the writer are his/her own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Rappler..
