Will violence become more serious?

Election in the Philippines is always closely linked with violence. Statistics from the National Police showed that 148 people were killed in election-related violence in 2004. During the 2007 election season, 229 cases of violence were recorded, claiming 121 lives and injuring 176 others.

Before the 120 campaign-day started this year, the most deadly massacre took place in southern Philippines, with at least 57 people, mostly women and journalists, killed in Maguindanao on Nov. 23 last year. It is considered the worst election-related violence in Philippine history.

Police survey showed, 27 people were killed in election-related violence in the period between Jan. 10 to April 25.

Whether vote buying can be curbed?

Many Filipinos admit that there is still a "culture" of vote buying and selling. Social Weather Station said 71 percent of respondents expect vote buying in the current elections; 51 percent expect cheating; 48 percent expect flying voters, and 30 percent expect harassment.

The survey also showed that in the eyes of common people, more election irregularities were reported this year, compared with elections in the 2007, 2004 and 2001.

Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales said in late April that some candidates had been trying to bribe officials of the Commission on Election (Comelec) in an effort to manipulate the result of the upcoming elections.

Gonzales also said that aside from Comelec officials, military and police personnel are also being bribed to allegedly participate in the rigging of the elections. To dispel the doubt of voters, Armed Forces of Philippine chief of staff Gen. Delfin Bangit has ordered an investigation on vote buying. Even though the authorities vowed to prevent voting buying, a professor from University of the Philippines said it is impossible to thoroughly avoid vote buying. The best result is to reduce it to the minimum limit, the professor said.