PHILIPPINES

The race to succeed Rodrigo Duterte as president of the Philippines began officially on Friday, as contenders started filing to become candidates for next year’s election. Senator Manny Pacquiao, who recently retired as a professional boxer, was among the first to formalise his bid. The contest is turning out to be a colourful affair, with an actor-turned-mayor, a former police chief and Mr Duterte’s own daughter also among potential contenders. Whoever wins faces the challenge of bolstering the economy as it recovers from the pandemic and dealing with China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. Candidates have until Oct 8 to register, and the list will be finalised in mid-November.