Friday was the final day for candidates to announce their intention to run. Among those who officially filed are Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son of a former Philippines dictator; Manny Pacquiao, a senator and former boxing champion; Vice President and Duterte critic Leni Robredo; and Isko Moreno, the mayor of Manila and a former actor.
Richard Heydarian, professor of history and political science at the Philippines' Polytechnic University, says there is no clear frontrunner. "It is going to be highly, highly competitive," he added. The Philippines has only one round of voting, unlike many countries such as France, where there is a second ballot between the two most popular candidates. This means that whoever is in front at the end of counting will become president -- no matter how small their total share of votes. In a tight race, the prize could go to anyone. And the stakes are high.
