Voting was underway in the Philippines on Monday for a midterm election marked by a fierce and emotional rivalry between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown.
While more than 18,000 positions are up for election, Marcos and Duterte, who are not on the ballot, have been aggressively campaigning for their chosen candidates. Their battle for influence is at the forefront of this election, which has become a proxy fight with significant consequences for the future of the country’s political landscape.
For Marcos, the election is crucial for securing his policy agenda, his legacy, and ensuring influence over his potential successor in 2028. For Duterte, the stakes are even higher—her political survival is on the line, with an impeachment trial looming that could end any future ambitions to follow in the footsteps of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The central focus of the election is the Senate, where a dozen coveted seats are at stake. These seats carry significant legislative influence and political power, shaping public opinion and potentially determining presidential ambitions.
Both Marcos and Duterte cast their votes early on Monday in their respective hometowns. Duterte, in a conversation with reporters, shared that she had recently spoken with her father, who is currently detained in The Hague facing trial over his controversial "war on drugs" policies. Duterte expressed confidence that at least two of her father’s endorsed Senate candidates, including the former police chief responsible for overseeing the drug war, would win.
“This election is more than an informal referendum on the Marcos administration,” said Aries Arugay, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines. “The Senate race is the key proxy battle... Marcos needs to retain a majority or supermajority to push forward his legislative and economic agenda.”
Reports indicated that voting, which runs from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., was proceeding largely without issue, aside from some minor delays caused by glitches in the vote-counting machines.
Rising Tensions:
The election has gained new significance in the wake of the breakdown of the once-solid alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families. What began as a united political front in the 2022 elections has dissolved into a bitter feud, with both sides accusing each other of undermining their power.
Marcos has distanced himself from the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Duterte, which accuse her of misusing funds, accumulating unexplained wealth, and allegedly threatening the lives of the president, first lady, and house speaker. Should the impeachment trial move forward, the Senate will play a crucial role as jurors, and at least 16 votes—two-thirds of the chamber—are needed for a conviction.
“Whatever happens with the impeachment, whether a guilty or acquittal verdict, I’m ready for whatever happens,” Duterte stated after casting her vote.
Adding to the tensions, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities in March at the request of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte has accused Marcos of compromising the country’s sovereignty by allowing the former president to face trial in a foreign court. Despite his detention, Duterte remains on the ballot for mayor in his hometown.
Both Dutertes have denied all wrongdoing and continue to challenge the cases against them.
Marcos, in turn, has campaigned on his economic successes and tough stance on national sovereignty, particularly in his approach to China’s activities in the South China Sea—an issue that has become a major point of contention in the election.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on Sunday that he expects President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to speak soon in an effort to resolve a growing dispute over critical minerals.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on Sunday that he expects President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to speak soon in an effort to resolve a growing dispute over critical minerals.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on Sunday that he expects President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to speak soon in an effort to resolve a growing dispute over critical minerals.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on Sunday that he expects President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to speak soon in an effort to resolve a growing dispute over critical minerals.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment