THE PHILIPPINES Philippines

Vice President Leni Robredo, an arch-rival of President Rodrigo Duterte and staunch critic of his deadly drug war, has declared her candidacy for the Philippines’ top job, becoming the leading opposition candidate in a crowded election field. Ms Robredo has been under pressure from supporters to join the 2022 race, but has been well behind the front runners in opinion polls. “We will defeat the archaic and rotten style of politics,” declared Ms Robredo, 56. Her decision comes after her nemesis Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son of the country’s former dictator, said he would run for the top job.