Philippines: Election season ongoing nationwide through May 22

Event

The Philippines election season will take place nationwide through May 22.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional security personnel across the Philippines during the campaign period. Political rallies are possible as candidates campaign for votes over the coming months. Gatherings are likely at public squares and parks in Metro Manila, and locations like Mendiola, People Power Monument, Rizal Park, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon Hall at the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus, and Welcome Rotonda. Elsewhere in the Philippines, supporters may rally in urban centers near government offices, public squares, and parks. Sizeable gatherings could also occur in Cebu City and other major cities. While rallies will likely be peaceful, clashes between supporters of rival groups or with security personnel remain possible. Officials may disperse any action that they deem to violate COVID-19 protocols. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible near any rally. Election-related violence is also possible as some politicians may resort to violence to eliminate rivals; the government may deploy the military should violence occur.

Context

The Philippines began its 7-month election season for more than 18,000 positions from Oct. 1, with the presidential and vice-presidential elections scheduled to be held May 9. Several prominent personalities have registered for the elections, including President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, and retired professional boxer Manny Pacquiao. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of former dictator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, who ruled the Philippines under martial law, has also registered, triggering some small-scale protests by human rights groups in Quezon City on Oct. 6. While election officials placed tight restrictions and deployed 3,000 security personnel during the registration period, hundreds of Pacquiao supporters still gathered outside the Sofitel area as he filed for candidacy Oct. 1. Election-related violence is also possible as some politicians may resort to violence to eliminate rivals; in 2009, the family of Maguindanao province’s then-governor hired shooters to attack an election convoy, killing 58 people. Duterte has also threatened to deploy the military should violence break out. Further spread of COVID-19 is possible should candidates hold rallies or if supporters defy restrictions and gather in large groups.

Advice

Exercise caution near campaign events, political rallies, and other large gatherings. Make allowances for possible localized transport disruptions near campaign events. Avoid any demonstrations as a precaution.