An interesting political configuration is emerging in light of recent political developments, particularly the arrest and handover of the Duterte patriarch to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Pundits call the surge a “Duterte bump.” Candidates supported by the Dutertes are enjoying a surge of “sympathy votes” generated by the arrest and detention of the former president. The “Duterte bump” is real, but the crucial question is, “Can the surge be sustained until May 12?” Is the surge enough to overcome the administration’s dominance. Pulse Asia President Ronnie Holmes does not see the “Duterte bump” as a huge “green wave” but as the awakening of dormant Duterte supporters who were outraged by the detention of the former president in The Hague. Again, the critical question is, “Will their numbers further improve and is the improvement enough to squeeze them through?” As the election campaign enters the final stage, the race to the magic 12 is tightening. Read Full Story
