Philippine presidential candidates enter final push to woo voters

MANILA, Could 3 (Reuters) – Philippine presidential candidates had been within the provinces on Tuesday to drum up extra assist because the marketing campaign entered its homestretch, in an election that has formed right into a two-way race between Ferdinand Marcos Jr and outdated rival Leni Robredo.

Marcos, the son and namesake of the ousted dictator who dominated the Philippines for 20 years, has a large lead in polls over incumbent vice chairman, Robredo, forward of the Could 9 poll.

The 64-year-old frontrunner repeated his message of unity earlier than supporters in central Iloilo province on the first of three massive rallies this week earlier than campaigning ends on Saturday, urging them to hold his “Uniteam” to victory.

“We’ve travelled across the nation to rally assist behind our unity motion,” stated Marcos, who seems on the verge of finishing a once-unthinkable rebranding of the Marcos identify, 36 years after a “individuals energy” rebellion toppled his father and drove his household into exile.

Political analysts say Marcos has been aided by a decades-long public relations effort to change notion of his household, whilst critics accuse the Marcoses of making an attempt to rewrite historical past. learn extra

“They’ve… the benefit of crafting an interesting narrative, which we all know distorts the historic truth and but has by some means appealed to many citizens,” stated retired political science professor Temario Rivera.

In Negros Occidental province, what was presupposed to be a small meeting become a marketing campaign rally for Robredo, 57, after dozens of supporters confirmed up. There, she promised an trustworthy and clear authorities if elected president.

The most recent Pulse Asia survey performed in mid April confirmed 56% of two,400 respondents supporting Marcos, 23% backing Robredo and former boxer Manny Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso on 7% and 4% respectively.

Additionally a boon for Marcos is operating mate, Sara Duterte-Carpio, who has been driving on the large recognition of her father, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, who on Monday reiterated he would endorse no presidential candidate.

On the Marcos rally on Tuesday, crowds emphatically chanted “Duterte, Duterte,” earlier than she spoke.

Marcos and Robredo have a bitter rivalry, with Robredo’s affiliation firmly with the motion that ousted his father after years of authoritarianism and martial legislation.

Regardless of Marcos’s commanding lead, Robredo has attracted key endorsements and large crowds in latest rallies, assist that some analysts say the most recent survey might not have captured.

Robredo final week challenged Marcos to a debate, however he declined, saying he most popular to talk on to the general public. learn extra

Critics have accused Marcos of ducking debates to masks weaknesses, and complained he has been inaccessible to media, with some international journalists reporting being denied accreditation for his marketing campaign occasions.

“All these restrictive actions undermine a vital and free press in an Asian bulwark of democracy and have sparked fears of how unbiased media could be handled below one other attainable Marcos presidency,” the International Correspondents Affiliation of the Philippines stated in a press release.

His workforce didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

Reporting by Karen Lema; Further reporting by Adrian Portugal; Modifying by Ed Davies, Martin Petty

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