In the Philippines, a highly anticipated midterm election occurred on Monday that could greatly impact the political landscape of the nation. Among the contenders for approximately 18,000 national and local positions was former President Rodrigo Duterte, who, despite being detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity during his presidency from 2016 to 2022, ran for mayor of Davao City. Under Philippine law, candidates who have not exhausted all appeals or been convicted can still run for office.
Duterte is largely anticipated to win the mayoral race in Davao, a role he has held for over twenty years before ascending to the presidency. However, his ability to effectively govern from detention is uncertain. During this election, around 68 million Filipinos were registered to vote for half of the Senate seats, all 317 seats in the House of Representatives, and various other positions across provinces, cities, and municipalities. The polls closed at 7 p.m. local time, with those still in line being allowed to vote. Unofficial results were expected within hours, while official outcomes would take up to a week.
A pivotal aspect of this election is the race for Senate seats, a focus for Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who faces significant political challenges. Her looming impeachment trial in the Senate, slated for July, revolves around accusations of plotting against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and related corruption charges, all of which she denies. Her political future, including her potential run for the presidency in 2028, hinges on the upcoming Senate vote requiring at least nine senators to support her.
Maria Ela Atienza, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, emphasized the critical role of the 2025 midterm elections in determining the outcome of the 2028 presidential race. Atienza noted that a conviction of Sara Duterte might end the Duterte family’s political dominance within the nation. Other Duterte family members, such as Rodrigo Duterte’s youngest son Sebastian and his eldest son Paolo, are also running for positions in the election, joined by two grandsons engaged in local contests.
The unraveling of political alliances between Marcos and Sara Duterte adds another layer to the complexities of this election. Earlier on voting day, both Marcos and Sara Duterte cast their ballots separately, with the latter indicating an acceptance of the results regardless of whether her supported candidates won. Marcos, addressing voters through a video message, encouraged them to exercise their democratic rights.
Despite the election’s significance, violence marked certain areas, with incidents of shootings reported across various locations, including Silay City, New Corella municipality, and Basilan, resulting in multiple casualties. Some disruptions in the voting process occurred, with complaints of missing names and extended wait times exacerbated by the hot weather.
Voter feelings reflected diverse perspectives, with Reymark Marquez criticizing the failure of the previously elected Marcos-Duterte alliance to meet its promises, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right leaders over factional allegiances. Meanwhile, Diana Joy Acosta, a first-time mother, expressed her hopes for an end to corruption and a future led by politicians of integrity, reflecting a desire for positive change for the next generation.