High-Stakes Proxy Battle Looms in Philippine Midterm Elections

The Philippines begins registration for a crucial midterm election in May 2025, set to be a proxy battle between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte. Senate races will be closely watched as the Duterte family seeks to weaken Marcos. The elections will test Marcos' popularity and influence.

Registration commences in the Philippines for a pivotal midterm election next May, promising a fierce proxy clash between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. The elections are seen as a test of Marcos' popularity and a crucial opportunity for power consolidation and succession planning.

While 18,000 positions are up for grabs, including 317 seats in Congress and numerous regional and city posts, the primary focus is on 12 contested spots in the 24-seat Senate. The Duterte family, including the former President and his sons, may run in the senatorial race to challenge Marcos' influence.

The collapse of the previously dominant alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families, marked by policy disputes and scandal, has intensified the political drama. Senate seats could provide the Dutertes a strong platform to counter Marcos' legislation and potentially investigate his administration. Political dynamics in the Philippines remain volatile as the midterm elections approach.

(With inputs from agencies.)