The Philippines’ 2025 midterm elections have concluded with results that are shaking the country’s political foundations. The polls, marked by record voter turnout and deep public engagement, served as a proxy war between the country’s two most powerful political dynasties: the Marcoses and the Dutertes.
Early results show pro-Marcos candidates making significant gains in the Senate and House of Representatives, strengthening President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s legislative grip. Meanwhile, allies of Vice President Sara Duterte suffered notable losses, signaling a waning of the Duterte brand amid legal and political controversies.
The Duterte’s have been damaged by the arrest of their party leader, Rodrigo Duterte, who has been detained in The Hague by an ICC arrest warrant. However, such is Duterte’s popular support that he has even managed to win a mayoral election in the Philippines from his jail cell. Moreover, Duterte-affiliated candidates managed to secure key seats, enhancing Sara Duterte’s position in the upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate. A two-thirds majority is required for conviction, and the current composition may influence the trial’s outcome.
Despite facing impeachment proceedings and legal challenges, including the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte continues to exert substantial political influence. Her ability to rally support and secure positions for her allies underscores her enduring presence in the Philippines’ political arena.
The 2025 elections have set the stage for a pivotal 2028 presidential race. If Vice President Duterte survives the impeachment trial, she remains eligible to run for president.
The Elections in the Philippines
The Pro-Marcos bloc secured at least 15 of the 24 Senate seats, consolidating majority control. The Opposition and independent candidates made slight gains in urban areas but were largely shut out in provincial races.
Local elections showed a fragmented result, with some regions remaining loyal to Duterte allies, especially in Mindanao.
Impact on the Nation
The Marcos-Duterte rivalry appears far from over. With Vice President Duterte facing an impeachment trial and possibly criminal charges, her political future is in jeopardy. However, an acquittal could spell legal trouble for Marcos himself, creating an unpredictable and volatile power struggle.
There are rising fears of military involvement, particularly if protests intensify or if either camp is perceived to be abusing power. Some analysts warn that this political infighting could undermine national security.
The 2025 Philippines election were more than a midterm—they were a battleground for control over the country’s political future. While the Marcos camp has emerged with legislative dominance, the underlying tensions with the Duterte faction and a divided public suggest that the road ahead will be anything but smooth. How the nation navigates these rifts will determine the strength and direction of its democracy in the years to come.
