The Philippine mid-term elections have revealed surprising outcomes that could challenge President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s influence in the Senate, amidst a fierce rivalry between two political dynasties. As of the latest vote count, which accounts for 80% of the ballots, it appears that candidates affiliated with Marcos have secured fewer Senate seats than anticipated.
In a significant twist, former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently facing detention in The Hague due to his controversial drug war, has been elected as the mayor of Davao City, his family’s political stronghold. The political landscape is further complicated by the uncertain fate of his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who is currently undergoing an impeachment trial.
Election outcomes shake political alliances
The mid-term elections, which took place on Monday, involved over 18,000 positions, including local officials, governors, and senators. This election served as a proxy battle between Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte, who were previously allies. The Senate race, which featured 12 seats up for grabs, has drawn significant attention due to its implications for Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, which she has labeled as “political persecution.” With her popularity and aspirations for the presidency in 2028, the possibility of an impeachment ban looms large.
Initial expectations indicated that Marcos Jr.’s chosen candidates would dominate the Senate race. However, the current count reveals that only five from his party appear to have won, matching the number of seats claimed by the Duterte faction. The rankings indicate that in terms of public popularity, only one candidate backed by Marcos, broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, made it into the top tier.
Leading the Senate race is Christopher “Bong” Go, a loyalist to Duterte, followed closely by Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, another ally. Notably, Marcos’ sister Imee has diverged from her brother’s political camp to align with the Duterte clan, seemingly securing a seat as well. Additionally, two independent candidates, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino and Francis Pangilinan, appear to have won seats, marking a critical return of the Aquino family to the national political sphere.
Duterte family retains influence amid political turmoil
The results indicate that the Duterte family has successfully maintained its stronghold in southern Philippines, even after Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial arrest two months ago related to his international drug war charges. The tensions between the current president and Sara Duterte intensified following the impeachment vote against her by allies of Marcos Jr. Despite these challenges, Duterte’s victory as mayor was largely expected given his family’s long-standing dominance in Davao City since the 1980s.
Rodrigo Duterte had previously served as mayor of Davao for two decades before his presidency in 2016, during which he gained significant support for his aggressive anti-drug policies. His youngest son, Sebastian, was elected as vice-mayor, ensuring the family’s political influence continues unbroken. Furthermore, another son, Paolo, was re-elected as a congressman, and Duterte’s grandchildren also secured local positions, reinforcing the family’s grip on the area.
The election process was not without its challenges, as voters faced long lines in sweltering heat, with reports of violence and issues with voting machines. Despite these obstacles, the hybrid of serious politics and celebrity culture played out prominently, drawing attention away from critical issues such as corruption and economic concerns.
“It marks the first time in years that voters had chosen outside the Marcos and Duterte dynasties,” Bam Aquino remarked after his surprising win.