By BlogHear News Team
Date: May 13, 2025
Manila, Philippines — The Philippines’ midterm elections have delivered a surprising blow to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., as early results show a weaker-than-expected performance by his allies in the Senate. Meanwhile, his chief political rival—former president Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained in The Hague—secured a symbolic yet powerful victory as mayor of Davao City.
With 80% of votes counted, Marcos-backed candidates have secured only six of the 12 contested Senate seats, a notable underperformance for a sitting president. Typically, Philippine incumbents wield significant influence in midterm elections. However, growing political unrest, economic dissatisfaction, and the explosive feud between the Marcos and Duterte clans have shifted voter sentiment.
Duterte Camp Gains Ground
Former President Duterte, arrested earlier this year for alleged crimes against humanity related to his controversial drug war, appeared on the Davao City mayoral ballot despite his detention. He won decisively, reinforcing his family’s political dominance in the southern stronghold. His son, Sebastian Duterte, will serve as vice-mayor, while another son, Paolo Duterte, retained his congressional seat.
The vice president and Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, is currently facing impeachment proceedings initiated by the Marcos-aligned House of Representatives. The Senate will serve as the jury in the trial. With the Duterte camp securing four Senate seats—and several independents showing no clear allegiance—the outcome remains uncertain.
Prominent Duterte allies, including long-time aide Christopher “Bong” Go and former police chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, placed among the top vote-getters, underscoring continued grassroots support for the family.
Crack in Marcos Support
Among the top five Senate candidates, only broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, a Marcos ally, broke into the upper ranks. Perhaps most striking was the defection of Imee Marcos, the president’s older sister, to the Duterte camp—highlighting fractures within the Marcos political machine.
Analysts note that even senators who campaigned with Marcos may shift allegiance depending on political opportunity. As political scientist Cleve Arguelles explains, “Senators in the Philippines often prioritize their future ambitions over strict party loyalty.”
A Surprise Comeback for the Aquino Wing
Also making headlines are two liberal-leaning candidates who appear to have secured Senate seats: Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino and Francis Pangilinan, both linked to the Aquino political dynasty. Their victories signal the public’s interest in alternatives to the longstanding Marcos-Duterte rivalry.
Bam Aquino, who ranked second in the national vote, described his performance as a “very, very surprising” return after his family’s political decline in recent years.
The Aquino family’s legacy includes a storied opposition to the Marcos dictatorship, triggered by the 1983 assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., an event that ultimately led to the 1986 ousting of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
High-Stakes Impeachment Looms
With Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial expected to begin in July, control of the Senate is now crucial. A two-thirds majority is required for a conviction. Given the mixed results and the unpredictable loyalties of many senators, Marcos Jr. faces an uphill battle to remove his vice president from office—and likely rival in the 2028 presidential race.
Voter Turnout and Election Day
Despite the high-stakes nature of the elections, voter enthusiasm remained strong. Long lines were reported across the country under sweltering heat, with isolated incidents of violence and vote machine malfunctions.
Campaigns were marked by the usual mix of song-and-dance rallies and celebrity endorsements, a hallmark of Philippine politics that often overshadows deeper policy debates.
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