Manila, May 10 (Comprehensive Report) — Although Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is not participating in the upcoming midterm elections, the election results could profoundly impact her political fate, including whether she can survive the impeachment crisis and whether she possesses the strength to run in the 2028 presidential election.
The Philippines will hold midterm elections on May 12 (next Monday), covering more than 18,200 public positions. The most attention is focused on the election of half of the Senate's seats—where the affiliation of 12 new senators could decide Sara's political future.
In the 2022 presidential election, Sara allied with the current President Bongbong Marcos, but the two families have gradually drifted apart after the election. Sara was allegedly involved in a threat to the president's life at the end of 2023, leading to multiple Congress members filing an impeachment case against her, with a trial set for July this year. She firmly denies all charges.
Analysts point out that if the Duterte camp performs strongly in this election, it might help Sara retain the vice presidency and increase her chances of running for president.
Meanwhile, Bongbong Marcos's approval rating also faces pressure. According to a Pulse Asia survey released in April, only 25% of respondents were satisfied with his governance. The recent arrest and transfer of former President Duterte to the International Criminal Court have reignited the momentum of the Duterte family's support and prompted the Marcos camp to reevaluate strategies.
At a campaign rally on Wednesday (7th), Bongbong Marcos ceased attacking the Duterte family, instead calling for unity and focusing on addressing livelihood issues such as inflation, corruption, and poverty. He stated, "This election will guide the government and society, leading our beloved Philippines into the future."
De La Salle University associate professor Borja believes that if the Duterte family becomes politically marginalized, the Marcos camp will dominate the political scene; however, the Duterte family still possesses strong grassroots appeal.
Despite global trade and geopolitical tensions, Philippine voters continue to focus on prices, food, and employment. Ateneo de Manila University researcher Jusinko pointed out, "Livelihood always dominates the concerns of Filipino voters during elections." However, he also criticized that voters do not deeply understand candidates' policies, making it difficult to hold elected officials accountable post-election.
The Philippines will hold midterm elections on May 12 (next Monday), covering more than 18,200 public positions. The most attention is focused on the election of half of the Senate's seats—where the affiliation of 12 new senators could decide Sara's political future.
In the 2022 presidential election, Sara allied with the current President Bongbong Marcos, but the two families have gradually drifted apart after the election. Sara was allegedly involved in a threat to the president's life at the end of 2023, leading to multiple Congress members filing an impeachment case against her, with a trial set for July this year. She firmly denies all charges.
Analysts point out that if the Duterte camp performs strongly in this election, it might help Sara retain the vice presidency and increase her chances of running for president.
Meanwhile, Bongbong Marcos's approval rating also faces pressure. According to a Pulse Asia survey released in April, only 25% of respondents were satisfied with his governance. The recent arrest and transfer of former President Duterte to the International Criminal Court have reignited the momentum of the Duterte family's support and prompted the Marcos camp to reevaluate strategies.
At a campaign rally on Wednesday (7th), Bongbong Marcos ceased attacking the Duterte family, instead calling for unity and focusing on addressing livelihood issues such as inflation, corruption, and poverty. He stated, "This election will guide the government and society, leading our beloved Philippines into the future."
De La Salle University associate professor Borja believes that if the Duterte family becomes politically marginalized, the Marcos camp will dominate the political scene; however, the Duterte family still possesses strong grassroots appeal.
Despite global trade and geopolitical tensions, Philippine voters continue to focus on prices, food, and employment. Ateneo de Manila University researcher Jusinko pointed out, "Livelihood always dominates the concerns of Filipino voters during elections." However, he also criticized that voters do not deeply understand candidates' policies, making it difficult to hold elected officials accountable post-election.