Philippine Midterm Elections: A High-Stakes Family Feud
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The May 2025 midterm elections in the Philippines are poised to be the most consequential in the nation’s history, a dramatic showdown between the Marcos and Duterte families that transcends typical midterm politics. While traditionally these elections reflect either support for or rejection of the current management, this year’s contest will not only judge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government but also decide the political future of Vice President Sara Duterte, highlighting the deep-seated hostility between the country’s two most powerful political clans.
The 2022 election saw Marcos and Duterte win a landslide victory on a joint “UniTeam” ticket. Marcos’s financial resources combined with Duterte’s widespread popularity proved an unstoppable force. Both, as offspring of strongmen leaders—Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in the 1980s and rodrigo Duterte after 2016—inherited legacies of authoritarian rule that continue to resonate with many Filipinos. Though, their seemingly united front masked a essential lack of shared principles and policy goals. What was once hailed as a marriage made in heaven
has devolved into a bitter political divorce.
The rift began with Marcos’s appointment of Duterte to head the Department of Education, despite her preference
for the Department of National Defense. Further fueling the conflict were several accusations against Duterte’s office regarding the misuse of confidential and intelligence funds
. Duterte viewed these charges as a plot orchestrated by Marcos’s allies, escalating the tension to alarming levels. In response, Duterte publicly declared she had imagined beheading Marcos
and digging up his dictator father’s body
to throw it into the West Philippine Sea. Adding fuel to the fire, rodrigo duterte accused Marcos Jr. of being a drug addict
, while his son, Sebastian Duterte, called for Marcos Jr.’s resignation
.
The situation reached a critical point when Duterte publicly threatened to assassinate the Marcoses
: I have talked to a person. I said, if I get killed, go kill Marcos, the First Lady, and the House Speaker.
these threats, coupled with accusations of graft and corruption, led to Duterte’s impeachment in the House of Representatives, spearheaded by Marcos’s cousin, Speaker martin romualdez. Duterte’s impeachment trial in the Senate is expected to occur after the midterm elections.
The upcoming midterm elections are thus of paramount importance.Duterte’s political fate hangs in the balance. The 12 newly elected senators—half of the 24-member Senate—will serve as judges in her impeachment trial. An impeachment conviction would bar Duterte from holding future public office, effectively ending her presidential ambitions.Acquittal, however, would allow her and her family to continue their attacks on the Marcos administration, solidifying her political base and bolstering her claim to the presidency, a position she believes was mine already in 2022 but just gave it away
. Given Duterte’s status as the presidential frontrunner
for 2028, many senator-judges will likely consider their own political futures and the potential implications of a future Duterte presidency when casting their votes.
The Marcos family is actively working to counter Duterte’s popularity. The prospect of another Duterte presidency is a significant threat to the marcoses, given the Dutertes’ history of unlawful vengeance and violent retributions
. Consequently, the Marcos administration is pursuing investigations into the alleged mishandling of Duterte’s office budget, which has contributed to her declining performance and trust ratings
. They are also scrutinizing the previous Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs and alleged police corruption
, even allowing the International Criminal Court
to investigate extrajudicial killings. Moreover, the Marcos administration is cultivating public support by adopting a stronger stance against China’s maritime incursions in the West Philippine Sea, a policy that enjoys the support of a majority of Filipinos
, in contrast to Duterte’s defeatist policy
towards China.
Marcos Jr. has adopted a more assertive approach, abandoning his previous restraint toward the Dutertes. When Rodrigo Duterte suggested killing senators
in a bomb blast to benefit his preferred senatorial candidates, Marcos Jr. responded forcefully: Maybe their situation is hopeless that they will resort to killing senators. Well, that’s the problem for a person whose only solution to all problems is to kill Filipinos.
The 2025 midterm elections will considerably shape the 2028 presidential race and continue to influence Philippine politics and perhaps its foreign policy. This high-stakes family feud, with the marcoses aiming to maintain power and the Dutertes seeking to reclaim it, leaves the nation grappling with a politically distracted government and inefficient governance dominated by self-serving political dynasties. Regardless of which family emerges victorious,the ultimate losers remain the Filipino people.
The Marcos-Duterte Showdown: A Dynastic Power Play in the Philippines
Senior Editor: In the political landscape of the Philippines, familial rivalries are shaping the future. With the 2025 midterm elections at the center of this saga, how will this family feud impact the nation’s politics and society in the years to come?
A Power Struggle rooted in history
Expert: The Philippines’ current political climate is heavily influenced by two of its most powerful political families: the Marcoses and the Dutertes. This descent into political rivalry is not merely a personal spat but a reflection of deep-seated ancient and ideological legacies. Both families trace their political clout back to authoritarian rule—Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in the 1980s and Rodrigo Duterte after 2016. The impending 2025 midterm elections are not just about policy directions; they’re a collision of these legacies where the future of the nation hangs in the balance.
the Political Dynamics at Play
Senior Editor: Given the historical backdrop of these families, how are the current political dynamics framed, notably with regards to the roles of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte?
Expert: the political dynamics are centered around a delicate balance of power and ambition. When Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte campaigned on the “UniTeam” ticket in 2022, they epitomized a promising alliance—albeit superficial. In practice, their partnership has unraveled, exposing conflicting ambitions and governance styles. president Marcos Jr. seeks to cement his own political authority, while Vice President Sara Duterte aspires to claim her leadership share, potentially challenging Marcos’s governance. This tension is evident in their strategic campaigns as they vie for influence in high-stakes elections that will set the stage for the 2028 presidential race.
The Implications for Philippine Governance
Senior Editor: What are the broader implications for governance in the Philippines amid this dynastic feud and the upcoming elections?
Expert: The feud between these dynastic families encapsulates the challenges in Philippine governance—primarily the persistence of political dynasties and their influence on democratic processes. As an example, the power struggle will determine key government positions, including twelve senators, who will decide on critical issues such as Vice President Duterte’s impeachment. This tug-of-war hinders effective policy-making and governance, as political maneuvering overshadows genuine public service.Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of reducing dynastic politics to foster long-term democratic stability and genuine reforms in the Philippines.
Key strategies for the Marcos Administration
Senior Editor: How is the Marcos administration attempting to solidify its power and mitigate the threat posed by the Dutertes?
Expert: The Marcos administration has adopted a multifaceted strategy to counter the Dutertes’ influence. Firstly, they’re highlighting alleged financial mismanagement within the Duterte administration, seeking to expose vulnerabilities and reduce public trust in the opposing clan. Additionally, they are pursuing international investigations into the controversial war on drugs initiated by Rodrigo Duterte, purportedly to uncover levels of police corruption. Domestically,Marcos Jr. has shifted towards a more assertive policy stance in international relations, particularly in opposition to China’s maritime aggression in the West Philippine Sea—an area where public opinion favors a hard line rather than the previous administration’s perceived capitulation.
The Future of Filipino Politics
Senior Editor: Looking ahead, what are the potential long-term effects of this family rivalry on Filipino politics?
Expert: The long-term effects hinge on whether this rivalry culminates in a political reformation or deepens the existing partisan divide. On one side, this conflict could catalyze a political awakening, prompting citizens and policymakers alike to question entrenched dynasties and advocate for reform and transparency. On the othre, sustained infighting might perpetuate a cycle of inefficiency and mistrust, weakening governance and stalling progressive initiatives. Ultimately,the outcome of the next electoral cycle will be pivotal in defining not just the leadership but the democratic maturity of the nation.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Senior editor: What should readers keep in mind as they follow these developments,and how can they engage with this critical issue?
Expert: Readers should stay informed about the electoral processes and understand the deeper implications of this family feud beyond mere political rivalry. Engaging critically with news sources,participating in civic discussions,and advocating for accountability in governance can empower citizens to influence positive change. It’s essential for Filipino voters to scrutinize political agendas, recognize the impacts of dynastic politics, and actively participate in shaping a governance model that truly serves the public interest.
We invite readers to share their thoughts in the comments or on social media, fostering an informed and engaged dialog around the future of Philippine politics.