Voters in the Philippines are casting their ballots in midterm elections on Monday.
Much attention is focused on races for the Senate, where Vice President Sara Duterte is due to face an impeachment trial.
Midterm polls take place on both national and local levels at the halfway point of the president’s six-year term. Voters choose half of the 24 senators and all of the House of Representatives members, as well as governors, mayors and all other local officials up for election.
A chasm between Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been deepening. They are at odds over issues, such as the arrest of Sara Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
The House of Representatives impeached Sara Duterte in February on charges, including misusing public funds.
The Senate is scheduled to start an impeachment trial for her as early as July. If at least two-thirds of the 24 senators find her guilty, she will be removed from the vice presidency and also be barred from candidacy for the presidential election in 2028.
Ballot counting will start immediately after polling stations close on Monday
