Although she is from a rival party the vice-president is elected separately she was until recently the welfare secretary in Mr Estrada's cabinet.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines turns on its president

Among Democrats, at least two governors who appear to have aspirations beyond their states Cuomo and O'Malley are pushing progressive agendas that pull the heartstrings of the party faithful even as many activists wait to see whether former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton or Vice President Joe Biden will try to succeed Obama.

WSJ: New generation of governors seeking the limelight