Here are details about the candidates, starting with the current leader in the opinion polls:
FERDINAND “BONGBONG” MARCOS JR
The late dictator’s namesake son, Marcos, 64, is a former governor, congressman and senator who emerged as the frontrunner with 56% support in the most recent opinion poll.
Since returning from exile in the Philippines in 1991 after the dictator’s removal, the Marcos family has sought to rebuild an image tainted by their often brutal rule and the looting of billions of dollars from state coffers.
Known as “Bongbong”, Marcos Jr. chose Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of current President Rodrigo Duterte, as his running mate, a move analysts say helped boost his popularity.
But the vice-president is elected separately.
Popular with many young people born after his father’s reign, Mr Marcos says he offers a “unifying brand” of leadership.
Observers say his strong social media presence helped him lead in the polls. Critics say Marcos is trying to rewrite the controversial family history for a young readership.
Marcos, who recently called his late father a “political genius”, denied accusations of spreading false information.
Last week, Robredo challenged Marcos to a debate, but he declined, saying he would rather address the public directly.
LENI ROBREDO
Vice President Robredo, 57, is the leader of the opposition and the only female candidate.
She and Marcos have a long-standing rivalry, with Robredo’s affiliation firmly tied to the movement that ousted Marcos’ father after years of authoritarian rule and martial law.
The former human rights lawyer narrowly defeated Marcos in the running for vice president in 2016. She quit Duterte’s role as housing minister after being barred from cabinet meetings to become one of his fiercest critics.
After condemning what she called the “senseless killings” in Duterte’s drug war, she was named his “drug czar”, but he fired her after just 18 days.
Robredo is pushing for transparency in the public sector and has promised to lead a government that cares for the people and to strengthen the medical system.
A victory for Robredo would make her the third woman to lead the Philippines after champion of democracy Corazon Aquino in 1986 and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001.
She is running with Francis Pangilinan, lawyer and senator, and the latest poll places her in second position, with 23% support.
MANNY PACQUIAO
Retired boxing superstar Pacquiao, 43, has vowed to jail corrupt officials and criticized Duterte’s close relationship with China.
He pledged to improve the health system, eradicate corruption, stimulate economic growth and provide housing for the poor.
He is third in the polls with 7% support, in the race with Jose Atienza, a congressman and former environment minister.
FRANCISCO “ISKO MORENO” DOMAGOSO
The mayor of the capital, Manila, and a former darling of cinema, has pledged zero tolerance for Chinese maritime aggression in the South China Sea and his economic program focuses on housing, jobs, health and infrastructure.
Domagoso, 47, who trails in the polls with 4% support, is running alongside Willie Ong, a doctor who has 16 million followers on Facebook seeking free medical advice.
PANFILO LACSON
Lacson, 73, is a senator and former national police chief who made an unsuccessful bid for president in 2004. He also trailed in the latest poll with 2% support.