NBW-Mr Duterte led polls ahead of voting, despite controversial comments while campaigning and a hardline stance.

The campaign has been driven by public concerns about the economy, inequality and rampant corruption.

There is tight security in place amid violence ahead of voting.

More than 100,000 police officers are on duty. Fifteen people have been killed so far during the election campaign. On Saturday a mayoral candidate was murdered in the south.

Philippines election: Polls open with outspoken mayor tipped to win

The election campaign has focused on reforming the economy, infrastructure, tackling corruption and crime and on the territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Mr Duterte has run a campaign focused on law and order issues, but made many controversial statements, including saying that he would butcher criminals.

A former state prosecutor nicknamed "The Punisher", he has been mayor of the southern city of Davao for more than 22 years.

The constant crowds coming in and out of the elementary school in Manila's Tondo district looked hard to manage. But election officials are well-practised, and voters well-informed.

Plenty of officials were on hand to help voters manage the formidable ballot sheets, listing in this constituency dozens of candidates for the various local and national posts.

Philippines election: Polls open with outspoken mayor tipped to win

The enthusiasm across the age and class spectrum for Mr Duterte in this campaign has exposed the weariness of Filipinos with the familiar political faces, who have delivered some economic improvements but little real change in the levels of poverty and corruption.

Mr Duterte has suggested he will disregard democratic checks and balances if they get in the way of fixing the country's problems.

It's a message that has excited and attracted people. Yet the numbers coming to vote here, and the positive and relaxed atmosphere, show that the faith in the familiar rituals of democracy is still as strong here as anywhere in Asia.

Referen

News