Newsroom Tokyo S2015E130 - Lead-Up to Philippine Presidential Race

At the start of the program, we reported on the rising tensions in the South China Sea. China has been raising territorial issues in the region including the Spratly Islands. One country that claims those islands is the Philippines. On The Focus today, we look at the upcoming Philippine presidential election. The constitution fixes the president's term, so Benigno Aquino will have to step down -- even with his high approval rating. The outcome won't just affect Filipinos. The international community will be watching the result as well. The notifications of candidacy closed this month, and the 3 main contenders took the first steps in their campaigns.