Manila - The Philippines' ruling coalition was yesterday facing a tough fight in its attempt to gain clear-cut control of the senate as partial election returns showed a strong challenge from deposed leader Mr Joseph Estrada's party.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, confronted with huge economic problems, now appears to accept the idea that she may wind up with a divided Senate. Ms Arroyo needs to win nine of 13 contested Senate seats to gain a decisive majority in the Upper House of Congress.
By yesterday, her People Power Coalition was leading in eight senatorial races while Mr Estrada's Power of the Masses party was ahead in four.