In the Philippines, Pacquiao files bid for presidency as spectre of violence looms over 2022 election
- The senator, newly retired from the boxing ring, has fallen out with President Duterte – whose vice-presidential run has sparked a constitutional debate
- An analyst expects both excitement and violence from next year’s polls, with Duterte threatening to call in the army should fighting break out
The 42-year-old arrived at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) listing centre on Friday with Congressman Lito Atienza, 80, who he introduced as his vice-presidential running mate. Aspirants were only allowed to bring up to three companions – who were required to undergo Covid-19 swab tests – when registering their candidacies, to prevent past chaotic scenes of candidates showing up with movie stars, musical bands, and rowdy mobs of followers.
Election officials put heavy restrictions in place to prevent the October 1-8 registration period from drawing huge crowds of political supporters and becoming hotbeds for coronavirus infections. About 3,000 police officers, including some patrolling in armoured police vans, were deployed around the seaside convention complex in Manila. The area was declared a no-fly and no-fishing zone.
“We really went to great [lengths] to make sure that the filing would be sober,” said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez.
Still, hundreds of fans and supporters in face masks and holding Pacquiao’s portrait and small Philippine flags lined the street leading to the elections registration centre to cheer his convoy.
University of the Philippines political scientist Dr Jean Franco said the polls will be “exciting, and characteristic of continuity and change”.
