Philippines midterm elections underway

Nearly 62 million Filipinos have registered to choose among 43,500 candidates vying for about 18,000 congressional and local posts.

The most crucial race is for 12 seats in the 24-member Senate. The poll is expected to prove the credibility of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. It's also a test for potential presidential candidates who will become President Duterte's successor in the 2022 election. A recent independent national surveys indicates that President Rodrigo Duterte has won a Senate majority, would give him legislative backing for his anti-crime proposals and his plan to rewrite the constitution. Results of the Senate vote will be announced on May 17.