Millions of Filipinos participated in the midterm elections on Monday, where former president Rodrigo Duterte, though incarcerated, was among those competing for roughly 18,000 national and local positions. Local media broadcast President Marcos Jr. completing and casting his ballot in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.

In this image released by the Presidential Communications Office, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., positioned centrally, displays the indelible ink on his finger after voting at a polling station in Batac City, Ilocos Norte province, Philippines, on Monday, May 12, 2025.

An elector exercises their franchise at a polling precinct located in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Electors exercised their franchise at a designated polling precinct in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte gesticulates while addressing the media at a press conference subsequent to casting her ballot at a polling station in Davao City, southern Philippines, on Monday, May 12, 2025.

In this photo from Team Pacquiao, the famous Filipino boxer and former senator Manny Pacquiao shows the permanent ink on his finger after voting at Kiamba Central Elementary School in Kiamba, Sarangani province, southern Philippines, on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Written by TERESA CEROJANO

Even though he is being held in The Hague, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was one of many candidates running for about 18,000 national and local positions in Monday’s midterm elections. Experts say these elections will show if he and his family will keep their political power.

Duterte has been held by the International Criminal Court since March. He is waiting for his trial for crimes against humanity. These crimes are linked to a harsh campaign against illegal drugs during his time as president from 2016 to 2022, which led to the deaths of thousands of people. Despite this, he is still running to be the mayor of Davao City in the south, a place where he has strong support.

In the Philippines, individuals with criminal accusations, even those in custody, are legally permitted to contest elections unless they have been found guilty and have pursued every available legal challenge.

Duterte is widely anticipated to secure victory as Davao mayor, a post he occupied for more than two decades prior to his presidency. The practicalities of his serving as mayor while incarcerated remain ambiguous.

On Monday, over 68 million Filipinos were eligible to vote for half of the 24-member Senate, all 317 seats in the House of Representatives, and numerous provincial, city, and municipal roles.

Polling stations concluded operations at 7 p.m. local time, yet voters queuing in specific locales retained permission to cast their votes; electoral authorities indicated preliminary outcomes might be available within a few hours, while official tallies would be declared within the subsequent week.

The forthcoming Senate race has captured attention, as its outcome could significantly shape the political trajectory of Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Duterte.

Sara Duterte is seen as a strong candidate for president in 2028. But if the Senate finds her guilty, she will lose her job as vice president and will not be allowed to hold any public office. To be found not guilty, she needs at least nine of the 24 senators to vote for her.

The 2025 midterm elections will be very important because the results will decide what happens next and which family or group will be most powerful in the 2028 elections, according to Maria Ela Atienza, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines.

She said that if Sara Duterte is found guilty in the impeachment trial, it might mean the Duterte family will no longer hold important jobs in the country. Other family members running in the election are Rodrigo Duterte’s youngest son, Sebastian, who is currently the mayor of Davao and is now running for vice mayor. Many people think he will win. His oldest son, Paolo, wants to be elected again as a member of the House of Representatives. Also, two grandsons are running in local elections.

Rodrigo Duterte was impeached, arrested, and sent to the court in The Hague after Marcos and Sara Duterte had disagreements about politics and their goals, which broke their relationship.

On Monday, Sara Duterte previously cast her vote in Davao, whilst Marcos exercised his right to vote in Batac City, his hometown in the north.

Following her vote, she informed reporters she was prepared to respect the electorate's decision, even if the candidates she supported were not victorious.

Regarding her father's anticipated victory, she stated, "Certainly, he will not be present; our expectation is that the vice mayor (Sebastian) will assume the role of acting mayor."

In a video released on the eve of the election, Marcos appealed to Filipinos to participate in the vote and exercise their democratic right.

Her father's spiritual advisor and important political friend, televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, is also trying to get a Senate seat. This is happening even though he is in prison because of charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking. The U.S. also wants him for similar reasons.

Incidents of violence have disrupted the voting process in several locations, with casualties reported in Silay City, New Corella, and Basilan, among other areas.

Clashes between proponents of opposing candidates also impeded the electoral process in certain constituencies. In Manila, some constituents voiced grievances regarding the omission of their names from the roster at their respective precincts. Furthermore, others lamented the protracted wait in oppressive heat.

According to voter Reymark Marquez, the Marcos-Duterte alliance that triumphed in 2022 fell short of fulfilling its commitments. He posited that the midterm elections transcend a mere rivalry between Duterte and Marcos, representing instead a critical juncture for selecting competent leadership.

"I believe the future of the upcoming generation hangs in the balance in this election," stated Diana Joy Acosta, a 32-year-old new mother, following her vote at a school in metropolitan Manila's Mandaluyong City. For her child's future, she earnestly desires the eradication of corruption and the selection of politicians possessing integrity.