The Philippines election: dynasties, drama and intrigue | Start Here 

This is probably one of the more historic elections whose impact could last for decades.

"There's even some family drama..." Only outside the Philippines is this shocking. There's sixty or so families that run the whole archipelago.

Coming from Malaysia, one of the Philipines' ASEAN members, who has been and still is in this political nightmare of change, my message to fellow Filipinos is change starts in you, be the change you want to be, do not expect anyone to bring the change that you hope for.

how tf was i unaware all this time that the election is already internationally known

Year 2016 a few months after President Du30 was elected there was an massive drug test in my work place which is in restaurant. We found out more of our crew are taking drugs. The company gave them 1 year break and still gave a last chance to return at work once they agree to change . Now every year we do a surprise drug test to all employees .

I don't understand why actors , singers , boxers enter in politics Do they even understand politics , social and economy issues. One shouldn't enter in govt if he/she just has fame but no experience in such areas.

I don't have the best understanding even as someone who is a Filipino American, but from what I see and research, I feel like Filipinos just don't lack ambition from the ground up and don't see the world outside their bubbles. I mean look at how the country is run and how these politicians act, they just scream like people who care about small trivial gains like their own money and being popular within their circle than competing against the best like China, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan. It's sad because I believe witnessing Filipinos here in America from my family to others, that Filipinos are capable of competing against the best. Problem is these politicians in the Philippines seem literally low IQ and probably don't see how people outside the country think very highly of them. If these politicians and citizens had this understanding, developed a better culture and ambition, I think the country can see growth. It's obviously not simple and the country doesn't need to be a superpower. if they can just be a simple developed economy, it would be really great and I think it's possible if Filipinos stopped feeling inferior and get worked up on silly small things. There is obviously way more to these issues that I don't totally get, bit for me this is how I see it. They sell themselves short from everything. They literally don't care how the cities look, constant poverty everywhere and being compared to China or poor African countries, and not being strong in other political factors. I mean even in things like sports. Sports can at least give citizens of a complicated country some pride and something to feel prod about like in many South American countries and even African countries, but Philippines does nothing. I love basketball and it's my favorite sport, but Filipinos spend more time on it in bad ways and don't even invest in sports like soccer (football) that can help them compete. They don't even give the citizens any green space or any place to exercise in general. Simply put again, the Philippines just has no leadership.

Sad to say, ever since we always struggle to be free and have a true democracy many of our heroes fought to achieve it. There is no dynasty in the government. But that changed when corrupt leader take over, they don’t respect the Law of the land and they twist it to thier side. My beloved countrymen and I know there are many of us let us bind together and do our part to bring back our country to free from these tyrant.

What I don't like about Philippine politics is that it turned out to be a battle of personality cult rather than of political ideologies and platforms. Most of these parties are of near-to-center-left spectrum fighting against each other.

Having experienced colonialism throughout history, Filipinos have always taken any measure of control by the government as an act of oppression even if it means the sake of their own protection. And when they attain freedom, they have no clear goal of what to do with that freedom once they achieved it.

every city, municipality, and province in the Philippines is run by so many families like Abalos, Aguilar, Villar, Aquino, Cojuangco and others with approximately 500 families running the whole government in the Philippines

The Filipino people is the one who can really helped and understand our politics, and nothing more outside the country..

*In order for us to have good leaders we need to have good voters* Miriam Santiago

People from other countries complain about their politicians being ideologues; in the Philippines, ideology is almost unheard of. Political parties are not really political parties. Politicians almost always share the same platform and it is usually pro-poor. Here, people vote for a politician due to his popularity, charisma, family, or if he is an "outsider", the family he affiliates himself with. _Family reigns supreme, even in politics._

Good to you Ma'am it is a balance news report and I love it....so thank so much to you and you always in my heart...stay healthy and God bless.

They will always criticize Duterte's war on drugs but for me,as a Filipino citizen, I can see that there are changes when he sat as a president. Less criminal rates.

Americans and the international community must be wondering why Marcos and duterte are well loved by the filipinos.

Philippines needed a leader who has a strong political will, consistent, decisive and most of all has a compassion towards people but not hypocrite.

This coming election is a big history in philippines

The sad thing is, many of us Filipinos are misinformed and adamant as to what information to receive. And its even scarier when educated people with power support the people who are double faced. Honestly, you cannot blame those who support Marcos Jr. because they have high hopes that PH will be better. But Marcos Jr. does not have the education and experience as the late dictator (most of Marcos Jr. supporters always say that he'll continue his father's works). Heck,, Bongbong does not attend debates by well-known organizations. I just hope, I genuinely hope that this coming elections, officials will bring positive/progressive change to the Philippines.

There are only two real contender in this election: MARCOS VS LENI. Those who really dislike Pres Rodrigo Duterte would obviously side with Leni, a lot of them are from entertainment industries and news broadcasting industries. Leni is pulling the younger generation towards her. If she's successful in convincing the youth, she could win this election. Philippines of 2021 no longer have that strong sentiment about the Martial Law so just because Bongbong is the son of the late Ferdinand doesn't mean he could not win this election. Remember that many Filipinos felt betrayed by the Yellow government of Cory and her son Pnoy. That's why Leni stopped using that color Yellow to distance herself from the Aquinos and I think that's a great choice. Using that color, she will never win. Remember that the last election, the Yellow candidates were demolished. So you don't wanna tie yourself with that color. For Leni to win this election, she needs to stop attacking the Dutertes and instead focus on her platform. Attacking the Dutertes would destroy her presidential chance. She needs to to produce a concrete plan for the middle class of this country. Without producing concrete plan she won't win.

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Mabuhay! ....... excellent well-balanced presenttion. Philippines is desperately needs honourable, honesst leaders.

I'm pleasantly surprised to see such a quality and more-or-less balanced reporting from Al Jazeera. Thanks for the interesting video.

Philippines' 2022 election is getting so much attention it is now in the international spotlight

I like how balanced this video is and shows a little bit of many sides of the story. Trust me, Philippine politics is really, really confusing and perplexing, especially for non-natives. You would have to read and research a lot to gain a good understanding of it.

This is gonna be the most intense election for me right now.

My wife and son are both born Filipinos. Filipinos love to vote for celebrities. No political experience, no problem.

What has always held the Philippines back from advancing is it's politics.

Because Duterte cares for Filipinos .. when you live in the philippines you'll know he done a great job .. we will leaving in peaceful country now because the drug lord and drug addict are scare .. so it's more peaceful now .. so we love what Mr president Duterte campaign on drugs .

There is law against political dynasty but no one file case to each other because they are the one who benefits with it. If there is a law then why comelec don't implement it ??? Politicians keep bragging about their bills they passed unfortunately many of them are not implemented because of corruption.

In able for us to grow and progress as nation we need to have discipline patriotic and brave leader to stand against all who hinders it.

I'm Filipino and I live in the Philippines. Applying for a job in Mcdonald's here requires certain clearance such as a criminal record, meanwhile running for a president post only requires you to be a citizen. F*CKING RIDICULOUS, RIGHT?! Officials and Politicians in other countries step down from their positions when they had been allegedly involved in a controversy, in my country? After being convicted and spending time in jail, they run to even higher positions in the government. So to wrap it up, it's the people here who are the problem, not the elites. But are we? Besides, the Philippines has always been a ground for psychological warfare which the U.S government had been using against us ever since they set foot here.

After seeing this in Facebook and here im REALLY REALLY thankful that people here are less biased and more open minded

THE BEST PRESIDENT EVER- RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE! WE MISS HIM A LOT!!! ❣️👊

Thousand of people killed but saved millions of Innocent people!

Corruption is the main threat to all nations . I prey people stay strong and vote for safe and just government .

Please continue this series Al Jazeera. Review each candidate, bring up the Philippines' key problems and things that need solving, the scenario of what it would be like if the Philippines chose a certain candidate, etc.

This might be the one of the most interesting elections here, I can predict that no matter who wins there will always be chaos and division (and i mean like MORE chaos and division)

Well, the political dynasty of the Marcoses in Ilocos Norte had elevated their governing province into being one of the least poor provinces accross the country, holding the 5th place in the least poor with a very low poverty index. First to build a Windmilk in Southeast Asia, top place in green energy production, one of the best option for tourism, placed 15th in economic resiliency out of 81 provinces. No wonder so many people like him.

A good case study on the pervasiveness of personality based politics in the Philippines.

This election is more cinematic than that of "House of Cards"'.

integrity, duty & honor, excellence in all we do🙏🏾✌🏾🐜

Why allowed to be a candidate if He has an "old convection for TAX EVASION "

It would be best if you report why BBM and SARA tops the survey regardless of whatever new were painted on their fathers and report their separate accomplishments in local governance. You have to know why most of the Filipinos voted for the change PRRD promised and delivered.

This is the prime example why Presidential system should be replaced with Parliamentary System.

The Philippines will be rise again,in God will🙏🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

Al Jazeera should make a debate for the presidential and vice presidential candidates

The Marcoses have won 900+ cases in different courts including alleged corruption. But some people still call them "thieves".

oh lord as a filipino the first few seconds of this video is already embarrassing me

Marcos is not dictator, He's a HERO of his Time

I wasn't born when Marcos was the president, but from what I remember from the stories that my family told me, the Philippines back then has the most powerful military amongst Asia, also back then 1 Peso is more than 1Dollar!

We need actions.. Not Promises to improve more in the Philippines.. Build Build Build.

Can you do a more informative feature instead of this? I feel that instead of providing new insight, this video is just repeating what we all have known for decades - it's a popularity contest instead of a focus on actual agendas and proven track record. And this video panders to that. To help our country share more of the last two instead of mentioning them in passing. (And I just may be annoyed that you provided a liar - false claims and accusations - and corrupt individual the platform. Yes, that cover photo is part of it.)

I'm a Fiplipino and the truth really hurts. We are used or contented to what only our past Prime Minister/Presidents can offer. Our minds are conditioned or washed to accept what we think is already the biggest or grandest performances the Leader of a Republic can offer. Because in the days that Internet are not yet at its global coverage we can not compare outright status of our country to others even nearest neighbor countries. We claim to the world that we are a Christian nation..but how about the false teaching that was taken partially from the Genuine Bible and Refill the undesired Gods Words with personal Preferences and then teach it to all suppose to be Christians ! Our God really clearly said, 1 Timothy 6:3-7 [3]If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, [4]they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions [5]and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. ☆[6]But godliness with contentment is great gain.☆ [7]For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. Job 36:11 [11]If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.

The greatest political comeback history was happened on Philippines political scene.Election was over and the voters decided who will succeed Duterte.Wellcome Back BBM in Malacanang Palace where BBM spent his childhood days.Congrats.

People here in our country if not all the majority do not see Rezza as a significant person. Try researching on different caravans of the Presidential aspirant it is indeed Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Sara Duterte that people wants and will support them through their campaign and beyond!

Philippine politics as always as it circus.

Imagine a third world country trying to correct a first world country for being "wrong".

Thanks for posting.

Enough with the "Dictator's Son", it should all be behind now. BBM may be his father's son, but he is not his father. And he is an asset for the Philippines.

Filipinos never learned, political dynasties never stop. No wonder corruption never end in this country. Before moving to Europe we live in Manila, Mindao and Cebu for how many years and almost to difference at all. Last yr we Visited Manila w/ my parents were Amaze with the transformation of the City it's truly Amazing thanks to Isko Moreno.

Why did they not include Ping Lacson? He runs for presidency too. If only people could see his integrity they might realize that he is the best among all those presidential aspirants. He have my vote, btw.

Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was not a dictator... Do not embrace wrong informations... The Marcoses were just victims of history revisionism... But now the whole truth is unveiled... Most of us Filipinos love the Marcoses, so you better not call Ferdinand Sr. a dictator again!

Goodjob for being fair and balance, I hope mainstream media here in Philippines do the same as well.

Soon, Philippines will be known to be a stronger nation like before.

this was insightful

this is the most toxic presidential elections in my coutry.

If few of you think the philippines election is down right weird and hilarious - I was fortunate enough to watch one of Indias debate/campaign, it was down right hilarious, I urge you to watch it.

Socrates insisted that only those who had thought about issues rationally and deeply should be let near a vote. Likewise, Elizabeth Bishop said that democracy in the contemporary world demands, among other things, an educated and informed people.

I kept seeing international news about PH Politics. Just let the country do what they want. You didn't hear any comments from PH about your politics. Let's just respect.

Until now, this reporter didn't know where the shoes came from...research it lady...

Drug war is very very effectice here in my town bfore very dangerous and now very peacefull ..i salute police and also president rodrigo duterte

The sad part from all of this is that NONE of these candidates have the ability to use critical thinking to lead an uneducated population - winning their hearts and votes like a high school popularity contest. It's a huge joke. This makes me so ashamed at being Filipino sometimes, all at a wasted vote.

One thing you didn’t mention which I believe is the main reason why people chose Bongbong over Leni. Looking back at the term of Aquino which is alliance of Leni. All the failures including the famous Yolanda, the Manila Hostage Crisis, the SAF44 massacre. Aquino denied responsibility on all of those. He even have a lot of failed projects like PNR bathroom with 3 toilet bowls without partition, incomplete bridges due to problems in right of way, the suffocating temporary housing for Yolanda Victims and so many more.I believed that Dutertes performance is better than Aquino. So you can’t blame people to chose someone who could continue Dutertes legacy and someone who’s not against the last president. People are tired on someone like Aquino always blaming the former president for what’s happening and then just doing nothing.

You need more info.Your sources were against the truth.Ressa, omg!really?

Obviously, the people's choice is Bongbong Marcos as you can see every survey he is a front runner, his caravans is always blockbuster. So good luck BBM, just stay humble and you will be the next President of the Philippines. May God bless and protect you always.

you forgot to mention Panfilo Lacson, a senator ex chief cop , he was the first to declare candidacy. Did he do anythiing wrong to Al Jazheera? Bong Go just withdrew from the race.

Why you put subtitle on philipines, i totally understand them. Like your english is perfect

Let's unite by praying for clean election! Pls guys let's do this because prayer is very powerful and God knows everything because he is powerful.

We Love Duterte and we will vote for Marcos

can we acknowledge how we are slowly recovering too? its not like the recession still worst today in the Philippines. and these people interviewed just sided with opposition, try to interview the pro-government as well to balance the story.

vote of people that can dictate politicians in democratic country, so this is no political dynasty can happen, # just common sense 🤣🤣

Hope most of us think before voting we don’t want history repeat itself FMS stage enrile’s attack to declare martial law so that he can stay in power, with Imelda still alive it’s not impossible to do same thing I’m not saying lenie is the best bet but pilipino should think first lots of president candidate to choose for

Philippine politics is way more entertaining. I hope that the next leader doesn't drag the country down even further.

We the Filipino People will Vote for Bong Bong Marcos and Sarah Duterte ...... Unstoppable ......

I like how this is not bs compare to what tv componies are telling us!

I am a citizen of the Philippines and i am hurt by foreign and local media alike claiming figures of killed persons in the drug war are water down in numbers. I believe those numbers are extra bloated to undermine the campaign against drugs and more of political propaganda against PDU30. I also believe that some killings are done by drug syndicates and oppositions are blaming it to PDU30 to undermine the positive gain of the drug war.

“It’s easier to fool people, than to convince them that they have been fooled” -Mark Twain

I grew up as a kid in late 70s to early 80s of the Marcos admin and there is no such thing as bad in the Philippines. We have disipline. Public awareness is in the street there are programs being shown like watching it as a movie. As a matter of fact, free movies are shown in public streets. Free feeding program. There are no illegal settlers in Manila bay area. Traffic is organize. And theres an infrastructure plan till 1990s so called buildbuildbuild. It changed in 1986 and from developing country to third world, the metro went literaly dark as in no power due to the cancelation of the bataan nuke power plant which is to solve the pending power crisis. The AFP rusted rely fully on US treaty. The defence suffer and its really felt as china is island grabing the SCS. But during Marcos, the spratly is well defended. If people rely on information from mass media here which anti philippine history, you will find our country in the dark ages because these media keep pointing martial law is evil when it prevented communism in my country. 1986 Cory administration started the contractualization of workers here which is anti poor. Honesty is the real issue here. I love my country. Do not believe in rappler too 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭💙

"And her 3,000 pairs of shoes..." -- Marikina City is my hometown, the Shoe Capital of the Philippines. Marikina shoemakers gifted 10 PAIRS of shoes EVERY WEEK. Yup, every week.

Those shoes are from Marikina city. They give her 7 pairs per week and Imelda wears them for promotional purposes. If you are from Marikina or somehow working in a shoe shop you'll know what I mean.

UPDATE: Bong Go has already withdrawn from the 2022 presidential elections

Discipline... That's why country like Japan, Taiwan and Singapore are so successful.

I don't like the fact that the most qualified Presidential Candidate, Ping Lacson is not in this documentary.

Let's be clear. It's not dynasty if they are elected. It is ingrained in the Filipino culture to value the family background that's why you can see a lot of politicians coming from the same family.

Pres. Duterte re-schooled and re-educated most of the Filipinos by bringing to surface the real problems and the true identity of the land, not by only domestic but global views, a large scale conspiracies between disoriented natives, oligarchs and foreign mix mindset plague the country, to resolve these he needed to re-structure the frames of democracy, justice, govt systems in domestic and foreign policies. 6 years having gone by one shot is just a dose of the least lesson to learn, filipinos misuse tons their discipline over democracy. Economic govt leverage was sold to the oligarchs by the Marcos successors, and before Duterte held the office, as the result Philippines suffer from internal and external treat. Citizens shaken lost control in determining good and acceptable living they are manipulated by their own choice of actions because they unremembered the history. 67 percent approval rating and popularity from the past years of governance is quite resonates where the heart of the most filipinos are. Philippines is also infinite player in political saga with cause.

This is balance journalism, Rappler and ABS, take notes😂 Philippine politics is like SNL -Telenovela Edition.

Actions speak louder than words 👊👊👊

That Filipina correspondent is ignorant: there is no recession in the Philippines. It's now the top performer in 2021 in Southeast Asia together with Singapore