The midterm elections underway in the Philippines this May 12, 2025, aren’t just routine. They come at a moment of political tension, social uncertainty, and growing pressure on the country’s sovereignty. While no president is being elected, this vote is a crucial test. Midterm elections are held three years into the six-year presidential term. Voters select 12 new senators (half the Senate), all 316 members of the House of Representatives, and thousands of provincial and local officials. These polls don’t just shift local power, they help determine whether the sitting president can push legislation or is likely to be blocked at every turn.
A Divided Landscape
What sets the 2025 midterm elections apart is the public falling-out between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. Once running mates, their alliance has splintered. Each now backs separate Senate slates, exposing a rivalry that could shape the 2028 presidential race.
Running under the Marcos-aligned camp is Imee Marcos, the president’s sister, who champions nationalism, military modernization, and “continuity.” Meanwhile, former Senator Kiko Pangilinan, from the opposition, has returned with a focus on social welfare, food security, and farmers’ rights. Bong Revilla Jr., a familiar political figure with deep roots in local entertainment and infrastructure promises, is also back in the Senate race.
These names aren’t just candidates — they represent competing visions for how the country should respond to challenges like foreign interference, climate vulnerability, and a fragile economy.
Violence and Resolve
Election day has been marred by violence in some areas. In Basilan, seven people were killed in an attack tied to local political rivalry. Silay City saw two fatalities and several injuries in a separate shooting. In Davao del Norte, two more were reported dead after a clash between armed groups.
These tragic incidents underline a painful reality: despite decades of democratic practice, parts of the country still face threats to free and fair participation. Even so, millions of Filipinos turned out, determined to make their vote count.
Voting as Patriotism
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has worked hard to keep the process secure and transparent. Voter verification systems have improved, and reports of machine failures have been minimal so far. For many, the most personal and powerful symbol of the day is their ink-stained finger — a quiet but firm sign of civic pride.
In a country where political loyalties run deep and divisions can grow loud, these elections remind us of something greater: that democracy still belongs to the people. It lives not in speeches, but in everyday citizens showing up — even in heat, in crowds, in uncertainty — to vote.
These midterm elections aren’t about perfection. They’re about participation. And participation, especially now, is everything.
