“Duterte’s number one objective is to consolidate power... He’ll get a big mandate, maybe even possible three-fourths of the Senate,” a political analyst said.
on Monday in midterm elections seen as a referendum on the rule of maverick President Rodrigo Duterte, who looks set to strengthen his grip on power and further marginalize a dwindling opposition.
The most important race is for the 12 available slots in the 24-seat Senate, a less-partisan chamber until now seen as a crucial check on power and a bulwark against the Duterte administration’s political dominance. Only one opposition candidate was among the 15, demonstrating what analysts say is Duterte’s growing clout and an opposition struggling with relevance, cohesion and leadership.
Duterte won the 2016 presidential election by a big margin as an alternative candidate and a no-nonsense newcomer on a national stage traditionally held by Manila elites, powerful dynasties or famous politicians tainted by scandals.
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