Campaigning began in the Philippines Tuesday for mid-term elections that could set the table for the next presidential race and determine the political future of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. railed against China as he started campaigning for his Senate candidates, making the maritime dispute with Beijing a central issue in the high-stakes midterm election in May.

Campaigning began Tuesday in the Philippines for midterm elections that could set the table for the next presidential race and

Campaigning for the Philippines' midterm elections kicked off on Tuesday against a fractured political backdrop, heightened by a high-profile row among warring elites that culminated in last week's impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Philippines midterm elections have kicked off amid deep political divisions, fueled by the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. The move threatens her political future and intensifies the rift with