Marcos-Duterte Rift Dominates Philippines Midterm Elections

Midterm elections in the Philippines are underway, with over 18,000 positions at stake, but the spotlight is on a high-stakes political feud between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. Though neither is on the ballot, both are aggressively backing their Senate candidates, turning a routine vote into a pivotal proxy battle that could reshape the country’s political landscape.

The race is crucial for Marcos, who seeks to maintain Senate control to advance his legislative and economic agenda and secure influence over his 2028 succession. For Duterte, the election could determine her political survival, as she faces a potential impeachment trial that threatens to end her career and bar her from future office.

The Senate, holding 24 seats, plays a powerful role in shaping policy and public opinion. A two-thirds majority—16 votes—would be needed to convict Duterte if the impeachment proceeds, making the outcome of this Senate race critical.

Once allies during their 2022 landslide win, the Marcos-Duterte alliance has fractured into open hostility, with accusations of fund misuse, unexplained wealth, and threats against the president and his family. Marcos denies any vendetta, while Duterte claims the administration is targeting her family for elimination from politics.

Adding to the tension, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in March on charges from the International Criminal Court over his bloody war on drugs. Despite being detained, he remains a candidate for mayor in his hometown.

Marcos is campaigning on economic progress and a firm stance against China in the South China Sea. In contrast, Sara Duterte has accused him of betraying national sovereignty by surrendering her father to an international court. The election’s outcome could redefine the balance of power in the Philippines.