MANILA, Philippines — On May 12, 2025, Filipinos once again headed to the polls in a large-scale midterm election that offered a snapshot of the country’s democratic vitality. Citizens across the archipelago voted for lawmakers, local officials, and sectoral representatives, shaping the legislative and administrative landscape for the remainder of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s term.
Although the presidency was not at stake, the electoral outcome is anticipated to affect the administration’s political momentum and could define the trajectory leading to the 2028 general elections.
Upholding an Electoral Tradition
The Philippine midterm elections, conducted every three years, serve as an institutional check on the executive branch by filling half the Senate, the entire House of Representatives, and thousands of local government posts. In this cycle, more than 65 million registered voters took part in selecting 12 senators, district and party-list representatives, and local leaders including governors, mayors, and councilors.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) managed voting in over 1,600 cities and municipalities and 82 provinces, coordinating one of the largest democratic exercises in Southeast Asia. The vote acts as a barometer of public satisfaction with current leadership, and as a platform for introducing new political voices.
Active Citizen Engagement
Initial figures from COMELEC indicated a voter turnout rate of approximately 76%, a marginal increase from the 2019 midterm elections. The turnout reaffirmed the Philippine electorate’s enduring commitment to civic duty.
Polling stations in cities like Manila, Davao, and Bacolod experienced early queues, as citizens made their choices despite occasional disruptions due to minor technical setbacks and adverse weather conditions. Security forces maintained a high presence throughout the day, and election-related incidents were kept to a minimum.
Advancements in Electoral Technology
This year’s polls saw the continued implementation of automated election systems, which have become a fixture of Philippine voting since 2010. The vote-counting machines (VCMs) used in 2025 came with updated software and improved scanning speed, allowing faster and more reliable transmission of results.
COMELEC underscored transparency by permitting observers to witness random audits and validate the automated count. Preliminary results began appearing on the public transparency server within hours of precincts closing, reinforcing public trust in the digital voting infrastructure.
While a handful of VCMs encountered technical faults such as misreads or paper jams, most problems were swiftly addressed. COMELEC Chair George Garcia called the elections “an accurate reflection of the public mandate.”
Central Issues that Shaped the Race
Although local matters typically dominate midterm discussions, several pressing national concerns resonated with voters and shaped campaign strategies:
- Cost of Living and Economic Recovery – With inflation slightly stabilizing but commodity prices still elevated, candidates pushed for increased job creation and support for farmers and microenterprises.
- Education Challenges – As schools adopted more flexible learning systems post-pandemic, stakeholders called for better access to quality education and technological infrastructure.
- Disaster Risk Management – Following a series of destructive typhoons in 2024, climate adaptation and preparedness became recurring themes among candidates, particularly in vulnerable provinces.
- Security and Stability – Incidents of unrest in parts of Mindanao renewed calls for peacebuilding efforts and stronger law enforcement.
- Clean Governance – Advocacy groups and watchdogs campaigned vigorously for cleaner elections, pressing candidates to commit to transparency and accountability.
Political Alliances and Notable Candidates
The elections served as a midterm assessment of President Marcos’s leadership and the staying power of his political coalition. His bloc, UniTeam, which includes the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-CMD, and allied regional parties, aimed to preserve its influence over both legislative chambers.
On the other side, the rejuvenated Makabayan+ opposition coalition championed progressive reforms and civil liberties. While fragmented, its presence was more strongly felt in urban districts and among younger voters.
The Senate race featured a mix of seasoned politicians, returning public servants, and new contenders. A journalist-turned-legislator, a public health advocate, and a content creator with a significant following were among the standout candidates, illustrating the evolving face of Philippine politics.
Sectoral Representation and the Party-List System
The party-list system, designed to amplify the voices of marginalized sectors, once again faced scrutiny and intense competition. Of the 177 party-list groups vying for seats, approximately 60 are projected to meet the thresholds needed for representation in the House.
Groups advocating for laborers, farmers, LGBTQIA+ rights, and indigenous peoples led active campaigns and community outreach programs. However, concerns persisted over the infiltration of traditional political elites into the party-list space—an issue long cited as undermining the system’s original intent.
COMELEC reiterated its call for legislative reforms to preserve the integrity of sectoral representation.
Maintaining Order and Security
Overall, law enforcement agencies described the elections as peaceful, with fewer reported incidents compared to prior midterms. Authorities responded to scattered reports of vote-buying, intimidation, and isolated violence in recognized election hotspots such as parts of Maguindanao del Norte, Masbate, and Abra.
More than 3,000 individuals were apprehended for violations of the gun ban and other electoral regulations. The Philippine National Police (PNP) was lauded for its enhanced coordination and presence in critical areas.
Election watchdogs noted significant improvements in logistics, security response, and voter assistance compared to previous elections.
What Comes Next?
With vote counting proceeding swiftly and official results expected within days, political analysts are now turning their attention to the realignment of power within Congress and local governments.
A major question looming is whether the Marcos administration will renew its push for constitutional amendments, commonly known as “Charter Change.” While supported by some administration allies, such proposals remain polarizing and would require strong Senate backing—something that the election results may either enable or restrict.
At the grassroots level, while many entrenched political families retained seats, new and reform-oriented leaders gained ground in some localities, including Pasig, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro. The emergence of younger, independent-minded candidates was attributed to better voter education and growing digital political awareness.
Democracy in Motion
Despite recurring challenges such as political dynasties, electoral disinformation, and technical hiccups, the 2025 Philippine midterm elections once again highlighted the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions.
The relatively smooth conduct of the vote, the active participation of voters, and the diverse composition of newly elected officials suggest that democratic engagement in the Philippines remains strong and evolving.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on how the new political configuration addresses urgent national issues and responds to the public’s expectations. As the nation marches forward, this election stands as a reminder that Filipinos remain committed to shaping their collective future at the ballot box.