Filipinos vote in mid-term elections amid VP Sara’s impeachment threat

Millions of Filipinos voted Monday in mid-term elections that could determine Vice President Sara Duterte's political future and the balance of power between her and President Ferdinand Marcos.

Vice President Duterte faces an impeachment trial later this year, with nine Senate votes needed to prevent permanent barring from public office; seven top candidates are aligned with Marcos while four support Duterte.

Deployed national police forces secured polling stations amid concerns over election-related violence in some areas, as long lines formed at voting sites across the capital Manila before 7:00 am (2300 GMT Sunday).

President Ferdinand Marcos's approval rating has dropped significantly due to his political feud with Vice President Duterte and lack of notable achievements.

Historically, election violence has been a concern, but recent measures by the Commission on Elections indicate a reduction compared to past years.