Poe will be pivotal to Philippines presidency

Subject

Philippines 2016 presidential contest update.

Significance

On August 5, outgoing interior secretary Manuel 'Mar' Roxas again encouraged popular first-term independent senator Grace Poe to be his vice-presidential running-mate in May 2016's presidential election. Roxas secured incumbent President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino's endorsement as the Liberal Party's candidate five days earlier. Aquino used his July 27 State of the Nation Address to undermine the only other declared candidate, current vice-president Jejomar Binay.

Impacts

• President Aquino will use his remaining time in office to push his good-governance agenda.
• Roxas will campaign on this agenda, but needs to shed perceptions of aloofness to gain popularity.
• Political uncertainty around a close three-way race would potentially deter investors.