Political Violence in Philippine Elections: A Persistent Challenge

The Philippine elections have witnessed political violence, with 46 recorded incidents since January 2025. Notably, mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa was shot at a rally. Although there are reportedly fewer than 20 candidate fatalities this season, analysts highlight the ongoing threat of violent confrontations driven by power struggles at local levels. Comelec is actively managing election security, but family and political ties complicate the situation.

The Philippine elections are marred by political violence, as underscored by the shooting of mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa during a rally. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has documented 46 instances of political violence since January 12, 2025, which includes the injury of Espinosa and the fatalities of various local officials. While Comelec reports fewer than 20 candidates killed in this election season, a decline from previous elections, analysts caution that violence remains a prevalent issue within the political landscape.

Analysts attribute the violence to the immense power associated with local governmental positions, which control jobs, police departments, and funding allocations. Danilo Reyes, an associate professor at the University of the Philippines, points out that local executives manage discretionary funding, which makes these positions particularly valuable. The weakening rule of law in rural areas allows local powerbrokers presumed to operate with impunity, further exacerbating the situation.

The risks of violence stem from the high stakes involved in political control, especially in areas dominated by a single family or private armed groups. Cleve Arguelles, CEO of WR Numero Research, emphasizes that losing control over a city hall results in a loss of both political and economic power. In regions where institutional frameworks to resolve disputes are lacking, confrontational violence appears to be a common recourse for conflicts.

The security surrounding elections has prompted Comelec to take direct control of troubled municipalities following violent incidents, reflecting the serious nature of election-related violence, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Despite these measures, including the suspension of police officials due to negligence, the intermingling of family ties and political ambitions continues to cultivate tension in these territories.

Ultimately, while this electoral cycle has seen a reduction in candidate deaths, the intertwining of familial, political, and violent dynamics suggests that significant challenges remain in ensuring peaceful and fair elections in the Philippines.

In summary, the Philippine elections are significantly affected by political violence, as illustrated by recent attacks on candidates such as Kerwin Espinosa. The data from Comelec indicates a decrease in candidate fatalities; however, underlying factors contribute to the persistence of violence in political affairs. Local power dynamics and a lack of effective legal consequences underscore the complexity of maintaining order in the electoral process. The current measures by Comelec demonstrate an attempt to secure elections, yet the interrelated nature of power and clan politics continues to challenge these efforts.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com