Metro Manila voters are set to choose the mayor, vice mayor, councilor and district representative for the cities and districts where they are registered. In the provinces, voters would also have to vote for a new governor, a vice governor and provincial board members.

In Manila, the national capital, reelectionist Mayor Alfredo Lim of the Liberal Party will battle with returning Lito Atienza who is now running under former President Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.

Former police chief and presidential adviser on the peace process Avelino Razon is also running for Manila mayor.

In 2007, Lim quit his Senate post and went on to defeat Atienza’s son Ali for the mayoralty.

Political dynasties

The continued existence and prevalence of political dynasties would be felt in the campaign for local posts.

President Arroyo, two of her sons and a number of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo’s kin are running for district or partylist representative.

In fact, there are 400 local candidates who are set to coast to victory, including 14 who are running for seats in the House of Representatives.

Off-limits to overseas absentee voters

Overseas absentee voters are not allowed to vote for candidates for local positions. They can only vote for candidates for national positions, namely, president, vice president, senator and partylist representative.