Week before Philippine presidential election

People in the Philippines have one week to go before choosing the successor to outgoing President Benigno Aquino on May 9th.

Four major contenders are seeking the office. Former interior secretary Manuel Roxas is backed by Aquino.

Vice President Jejomar Binay once belonged to an opposition party.

Grace Poe is an independent senator.

And Mayor of Davao Rodrigo Duterte is in the opposition. Davao is a major city on the southern island of Mindanao.

No candidate has yet emerged as a clear leader. Support rates are changing constantly over allegations of corruption and inappropriate remarks.

The latest poll shows Duterte with a small lead but he is now accused of hiding a large amount of assets.

Territorial disputes in the South China Sea are also an issue in the race.

Roxas and Poe say they intend to strengthen the alliance with the United States to deal with China.

Duterte and Binay say they want to have a dialogue with China.

In the tight race, the candidates are seeking to sway still undecided voters with speeches and rallies.

Source and image: NHK