The election results from the May 12, 2025 Philippine midterm polls are shaping up to be some of the most consequential in recent memory. With tensions already high between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, the early outcomes point to a fragmented Senate, high-profile political comebacks, and isolated cases of deadly violence. While many counts are still partial and unofficial, the direction of Philippine politics is beginning to shift.
Senate Race: Bong Go Tops, Opposition Makes Gains
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is leading the senatorial race with more than 24 million votes. “God is good, God is fair,” he said in a statement thanking voters, crediting his win to the people’s trust and divine justice.
Close behind are opposition figures Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, both returning after past defeats. Aquino, once trailing in the pre-election surveys, has leapt to second place with over 19 million votes. Pangilinan, who barely made the top 20 in polls, is now in the top five.
Other projected winners include Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Erwin Tulfo, Ping Lacson, JV Ejercito, and Tito Sotto. The mix suggests no dominant bloc in the Senate — a key factor in the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte.
Local Races and House Landscape
According to partial counts published by Comelec, major cities like Davao remain Duterte strongholds. Former president Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained in The Hague, leads the mayoral race with a wide margin. His sons Sebastian and Paolo are also poised to win as vice mayor and congressman, respectively.
In the House of Representatives, results remain incomplete, but early returns suggest a mixed outcome, with neither the Marcos nor Duterte camps securing overwhelming dominance. This means legislation under Marcos may face tighter scrutiny in Congress for the remainder of his term.
Violence and Glitches Marred Election Day
The voting process was not without problems. In Silay City, a shooting left two people dead and five injured. Poll watchdog PPCRV reported widespread technical glitches, including malfunctioning vote-counting machines and reports of intimidation in some areas.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) received both praise and criticism. While the Commission introduced innovations to boost transparency, human rights groups urged more action to prevent future election-day violence.
What the Election Results Tell Us
As we await the official election results, one thing is clear: the Filipino electorate remains divided, but engaged. The return of several opposition figures, coupled with the enduring power of political dynasties, suggests that voters are looking for both accountability and familiarity.
The outcome of Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, now largely in the hands of this divided Senate, may define the political tone for the rest of the Marcos presidency. And as always, local races and violence reports remind us that Philippine democracy continues to evolve — often messily, but unmistakably.
