Key Points
- President Marcos’ coalition underperformed in the May 13, 2025 Senate elections.
- Vice President Sara Duterte won a decisive victory in Davao City’s mayoral race.
- The results reflect a deepening rift and set the stage for the 2028 presidential election.
Background: Once political allies, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte have become rivals. Their divergence has been amplified by Rodrigo Duterte’s ongoing detention in The Hague and disagreements over policy and leadership.
Lead
The Philippines’ May 13, 2025, mid-term elections exposed growing divisions between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. While Marcos’ camp lost key Senate seats, Duterte’s landslide victory in Davao City boosted her political standing ahead of the 2028 race.
Details
According to BBC News and South China Morning Post, the elections saw Marcos’ coalition winning fewer Senate seats than projected. In contrast, Duterte’s hold on Davao City reaffirmed her influence and sparked speculation about a 2028 presidential bid. The Marcos bloc, led by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, struggled without the backing of the Duterte camp.
Reaction
Observers noted a stark urban-rural divide in voting patterns. Marcos allies downplayed the Senate losses, framing them as “expected mid-cycle adjustments.” Duterte supporters, however, celebrated the outcome as a public rejection of the current administration’s policies. Social media buzz reflected both political frustration and optimism for change.
Outlook
The election results are likely to intensify the Marcos-Duterte rivalry. With Duterte gaining ground and Marcos facing mounting criticism over inflation and economic policies, analysts foresee a contentious run-up to 2028. The outcome will also influence legislative priorities and party realignments over the next three years.
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