The 90-day campaign period for the national candidates in the Philippine May elections officially starts Tuesday.

Each of the five known presidential bets, including their respective running mates and senatorial candidates, held their own rallies in different parts of the country.

Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III joined administration presidential aspirant Manuel Roxas II of the Liberal Party and his slate in central Philippine provinces of Capiz and Iloilo.

Vice President Jejomar Binay of the United Nationalist Alliance held his kicking-off campaign in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

Senator Grace Poe, an independent candidate, and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of the PDP-Laban conducted their rallies in Quiapo, Manila and in slum district of Tondo, Manila, respectively.

Senator Miriam Defesor-Santiago, also independent, joined Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a vice presidential bet, in the latter's home province of Ilocos Norte in northern part of the country.

Thousands of their supporters bringing placards and streamers of their candidates flocked in the rallies.

Campaign period for local candidates will start in March.

Over 50 million Filipino voters are expected to troop to different precincts nationwide for the automated elections on May 9.

About 18,000 positions from president down to city and municipal councilors have to be filled up in the upcoming polls. Endit

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