Philippine politicians who have run for election while behind bars

This photo taken on Feb 8, 2022 shows Philippine Vice President and opposition presidential candidate Leni Robredo (right) speaking as she endorses the senatorial candidacy of detained senator Leila de Lima next to a large cardboard cut out of de Lima (centre) during a campaign rally in the city of Naga, - AFP

MANILA (AFP): Philippine Senator Leila de Lima has spent five years in jail on drug trafficking charges, accusations so serious she is not eligible for bail. But she can still contest elections.

Being accused or convicted of major crimes in the Philippines is no barrier to running for public office -- unless the hopefuls have exhausted their legal options.