​The circus is in town

PHILIPPINES - In Brief 22 Sep 2021 by Romeo Bernardo

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The 2022 presidential election is shaping up to be as we expected in our August Forecast report[1], i.e., a multi-contested fight.What we know at this time:Announced candidacy for the presidency: Senator Panfilo Lacson (age, 73), Senator Manuel Pacquiao (42) and Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso (46). Announced candidacy for the vice presidency: President Rodrigo Durterte (76, by his lonesome), Senate President Tito Sotto (73, with Sen Lacson), Dr. Willie Ong (57, with Mayor Domagoso)Signaling interest for either position: former Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.Stating willingness to be the unity candidate: Vice-President Leni RobredoDeclined to run: Davao mayor Sara Duterte, Senator Christopher GoImportant milestones of the electoral body:Oct 8: deadline for the filing of the certificate of candidacy (COC).November 15: deadline for substitution of party nominated candidatesMay 9, 2022: election dayThe missing piece: Administration presidential candidateThe prospects:Taking the above developments at face value, Manila mayor Domagoso, better known by his screen name Isko Moreno, will be the next president if elections were held today. He shares Senator Pacquiao’s story of overcoming extreme poverty through sheer grit but unlike the boxing champion, has demonstrated impressive administration and crisis management skills during his short three years at the helm of the city of Manila. Interestingly, there are speculations that Mayor Domagoso and Senator Pacquiao will end up as running mates, with the latter, a Mindanaoan, helping to win the south for the former.Political pundits do not really believe that Davao mayor Sara Duterte, whose promotional videos are being passed aroun...