Vote of Filipinos in Australia could help seal fate of Duterte dynasty

The Philippines' midterms, where almost 69 million eligible voters will choose the next 12 members of the Senate, has become a proxy war between the country's two most powerful families. The fate of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr and Vice-President Sara Duterte hangs in the balance, with overseas Filipinos playing a crucial role in deciding their destiny.

The midterms are typically considered an unofficial referendum on the current administration, but this time around, it's also a battle for control between two powerful families. Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Sara Duterte joined forces at the 2022 election to win a landslide victory and become president and vice-president. However, their partnership has been marred by controversy, including allegations of crimes against humanity and impeachment proceedings.

Overseas Filipinos, who make up a significant portion of the country's population abroad, will play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the Duterte family. With over 10 million Filipino citizens living overseas, their votes can potentially tip the balance in favor of one faction or the other.

"For the first time in recent memory, there is a clear division between political opponents over foreign policy," said Dr. Eloisa Lopez, an expert on Filipino politics. "The camp of the president is advocating both a firm stance against China in maritime disputes, and by default, a continued close alliance with the United States." This divide could potentially affect the outcome of the midterms.

Despite the Duterte family's considerable public support, particularly in their home region of Davao, many overseas Filipinos are concerned about the administration's human rights record. "You cannot just kill people," said Filipino Australian, Ms. Lorenzo. "Why don't you let him go on trial? If he's not guilty, then it clears his name."

Ms. Guinta, another overseas Filipino voter, expressed confidence that many of her fellow voters would not support Mr. Duterte due to his crimes against humanity. "There are people outside of the Philippines who are more attuned to what he did," she said.

The outcome of the midterms will have significant implications for the future of Philippine politics. If the Duterte family loses, it could mark a shift towards a more parochial and family-oriented politics, as Dr. Wong from Cavite State University noted. However, if they win, it would likely cement their grip on power and perpetuate a culture of impunity.

The midterms are scheduled to take place on May 9th, with overseas Filipinos able to vote via the new online system. The fate of the Duterte family hangs in the balance, and the outcome is far from certain. But one thing is clear: the world will be watching as these powerful families fight for control of the Philippines.

Support for Dutertes remains despite ICC proceedings, impeachment

Despite the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr and Vice-President Sara Duterte, many supporters of the administration remain committed to their cause. The ICC has been investigating Mr. Duterte over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, but he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

"The only way to do it is to use a bomb," Mr. Duterte joked at a campaign rally last month, referring to his support for candidates who would kill 15 senators to make way for those he was backing. However, this rhetoric has not seemed to deter many of his supporters, including some in the Philippines and overseas.

According to Dr. Eloisa Lopez, an expert on Filipino politics, there is a clear division between political opponents over foreign policy. The camp of the president is advocating both a firm stance against China in maritime disputes, and by default, a continued close alliance with the United States. By contrast, some of Duterte's supporters, and the vice-president herself, have continued the legacy of the previous president in advocating for a conciliatory approach towards China.

"For the first time in recent memory, there is a clear division between political opponents over foreign policy," Dr. Lopez said. "The camp of the president is advocating both a firm stance against China in maritime disputes, and by default, a continued close alliance with the United States." This divide could potentially affect the outcome of the midterms.

Supporters of Mr. Duterte remain undeterred despite the ongoing ICC proceedings. In fact, some have even expressed concerns that online voting could lead to fraud or tampering with the ballot.

"Until they really secure the system, that there will be no fraud… actually a lot of people in the Philippines are not agreeable to it," said Ms. Lorenzo, another overseas Filipino voter who cast her ballot via the new online system.

However, many overseas Filipinos believe that Mr. Duterte's crimes against humanity and impeachment proceedings should not deter them from participating in the midterms. "There are people outside of the Philippines who are more attuned to what he did," said Ms. Guinta, another overseas Filipino voter.

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VOTE OF FILIPINOS IN AUSTRALIA COULD HELP SEAL FATE OF DUTERTE DYNASTY