Widows take over in Philippines deadly polls

In the spotlight: Batocabe (in blue T-shirt) posing for photos with supporters during a campaign rally in the town of Daraga, Albay province, south of Manila. — AFP

Manila: Gertrudes Batocabe never wanted to enter the Philip­pines’ cutthroat politics, but after her husband was shot dead, allegedly by a rival in next week’s midterm election, she felt bound to take his place.

“It’s not really automatic that the wife takes over, but in this case I cannot see my opponents sitting down (quitting),” she said, holding back tears.