Voters in the Philippines appear to have delivered a blow to President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and a boost to the rival Duterte clan, whose members and allies outperformed expectations in Monday’s midterm elections.
Ex-president Rodrigo Duterte looks set to become mayor of Davao City despite his detention by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity, according to election results released by GMA News. His two sons lead other races.
But the clan’s biggest win is in the Senate, where Duterte-backed candidates are on course to win at least four of 12 seats up for grabs, more than surveys had indicated. That result, and the family’s strong showing in its southern stronghold, may bode well for impeached Vice-President Sara Duterte, as it could discourage some senators from voting for her conviction in the coming trial in the chamber.
The results reflect the declining popularity of Marcos Jnr
Anthony Lawrence Borja, political scientist
Markets are set to reopen on Tuesday after the election holiday, giving investors their first opportunity to react to an outcome that defied surveys.
Two thirds of the 24-member Senate would be needed to convict Sara Duterte, which would pave the way for the vice-president’s removal from office and derail any chance of a 2028 run for the presidency. Marcos-endorsed candidates look set to win just six Senate seats, fewer than anticipated, amid widespread concerns about the cost of living and the dispute with his deputy.
“The results reflect the declining popularity of Marcos Jnr, the resurgence of the Duterte brand, and the readmission of the traditional liberal opposition back into high politics,” said Anthony Lawrence Borja, an associate professor of political science at De La Salle University in Manila. “It is a welcome surprise for liberals and an unwelcome one for the administration.”
Those liberals are two other candidates on course for Senate wins who were backed by Leni Robredo, a former vice-president who ran against Marcos in 2022.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr prays as he visits a church before casting his vote in Batac City, Ilocos Norte province, on Monday. Photo: Malacanang Presidential Communications Office via AP
