Credited from: SCMP
The recent midterm elections in the Philippines have revealed a surprising shift in political allegiances, particularly among youth voters, leading to what some analysts describe as a political "thrashing" for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. As of recent reports, President Marcos Jr. is projected to secure only five of the twelve available Senate seats, complicating his influence going forward and undermining efforts to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial upcoming in July. With youth voter turnout markedly high, it has become evident that public sentiment is drifting away from the incumbent administration, according to South China Morning Post, BBC, and Al Jazeera.
Compounding these challenges, Vice President Sara Duterte, who is embroiled in an impeachment trial stemming from accusations that include plotting against President Marcos, saw her political future put at risk. She requires the support of nine out of the 24 Senate members to avoid conviction, a daunting task given the recent Senate results that show a strong faction emerging from her own family. Reports indicate that only six out of the twelve winning senators are from the Marcos alliance, signaling a potential shift in loyalty that may hinder the impeachment efforts, as noted by multiple sources including South China Morning Post and BBC.
Adding to the political landscape, former President Rodrigo Duterte is on course to claim victory in the mayoral seat of Davao City, winning over 65% of the vote despite facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC). His enduring popularity among local constituents highlights the ongoing grip of the Duterte political dynasty, even amidst controversy, as reported by Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
The election results indicate that public sentiment in the Philippines is increasingly disaffected with President Marcos Jr.'s administration, as many voters have voiced dissatisfaction with economic management and perceived corruption. The political implications of these elections suggest an erosion of support for the administration within congressional ranks, making it potentially harder for Marcos to maneuver politically, especially concerning his efforts to convict Vice President Duterte in the Senate trial, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.
As the political rivalry intensifies between the Marcos and Duterte families, analysts have suggested that these election outcomes may reshape the landscape heading into the 2028 presidential race. The implications of public dissatisfaction could open the door for new political figures to emerge, potentially sidestepping the established powers of both families, according to South China Morning Post.
In this turbulent environment, the future political landscape of the Philippines remains uncertain. However, the upcoming Senate trial and shifting loyalties within Congress will be pivotal in determining whether President Marcos Jr. can maintain his grip on power and manage the growing dissension among voters, as highlighted by the election results and ongoing tensions between the two political dynasties, according to BBC, Al Jazeera, and South China Morning Post.