Surprise victories in the 2019 midterm Philippine elections offer hope to the opposition · Global Voices
A forum discussing some of the problems that hounded the 2019 midterm elections in the Philippines. Image by Kodao Productions, a content partner of Global Voices
The Philippines conducted its midterm elections on May 13, 2019, which saw candidates belonging to the coalition endorsed by President <PERSON> dominating the senate race. But despite the near-landslide victory by the ruling party, there were surprise winners in some local and congressional seats which raised the prospect of the possibility of reforming the country’s politics. The newly elected officials will assume office on July 1, 2019.
The election was marred by reports of irregularities, election-related violence, massive vote buying and even an admission of fraud from the president himself. But despite these challenges, some opposition candidates prevailed and were able to get themselves elected to office. There were also young candidates who successfully ran against incumbent officials belonging to prominent political families.
Opposition party lists will return to Congress
With total combined votes of 2,236,155, the left-leaning Makabayan (Patriotic) coalition will have 6 seats in the incoming 18th Congress, despite being attacked by state-backed security forces during the campaign period.
As fierce critics of the <PERSON> government, Makabayan party members and representatives were targeted by disinformation campaigns, red-baiting, and even trumped-up charges leveled by state actors and groups supportive of the president.
A number of Makabayan campaigners were also killed during the election campaign.
In the days leading up to the May 13 elections, false information spread that Makabayan party lists has been disqualified from running in the election.
On election day itself, uniformed policemen were caught on video giving out newsletters criticizing Makabayan party lists near a designated polling precinct in Manila, the country's capital. Election watch group Kontra Daya called out the act as violating the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits the presence of police or other armed security within polling venues. The law also prohibits the police and armed forces from engaging in partisan activities.
Kabataan (Youth) party list representative <PERSON> explained why attacks against their group failed:
The <PERSON> administration can no longer play the same old tune on us, his online troll army would get him nowhere in the face of the people’s legitimate outcry for their basic socio-economic demands, the youth’s access to free education, right to basic social services, defense of our national sovereignty, among others. These are the pressing issues that the government should address, instead of feeding fake news.
Political giants tumble
In key cities in Metro Manila, voters succeeded in disrupting local political dynasties.
In Manila, former Philippine president and incumbent Manila mayor <PERSON> was defeated by his former vice mayor <PERSON> by a wide margin.
<PERSON>'s granddaughter, incumbent San Juan City Vice Mayor <PERSON>, was also defeated in the mayoral race, ending five decades of <PERSON> rule in the city.
<PERSON>, former Philippine vice president and long-time mayor of Makati City, lost to a young rival in the congressional district race. 289
Makati is the country's financial center.
In Pasig City, the 29-year reign of the <PERSON> clan was ended with <PERSON> defeating incumbent Mayor <PERSON> in the mayoral race. The young <PERSON> captured public interest with his non-traditional views on politics and governance.
Following the work of Cong. <PERSON> and incoming Mayor <PERSON> has been giving me hope, so far. Every day, I keep my fingers crossed that they stay the course.
— <PERSON> tweets here now (@elise_mendoza) May 30, 2019
#<PERSON>
Very promising young public servant. Hope that you'll keep that idealism and that politics won't corrupt you.
— <PERSON> (@docge) June 3, 2019
<PERSON> winning over <PERSON> and <PERSON>. <PERSON> over <PERSON>. <PERSON> defeating <PERSON>. Small glimpses of hope that I hope will translate to a national scale ??
— Kin (@KinLibrero) May 13, 2019
Truly happy for the historic wins of <PERSON>, <PERSON>, and <PERSON>! So much young blood taking on mayoral positions this term.
— <PERSON> (@iamsuperbianca) May 14, 2019
In spite of these opposition successes, the struggle for meaningful change, just governance and national progress will continue for the next three years. But these small victories are expected to be the foundation for change in the run-up to the presidential elections scheduled for 2022. 1017