The 2025 Philippine national and local elections, held on May 12, are already shaping the country’s political direction as early, unofficial tallies emerge from the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) transparency server. While the official canvassing process is ongoing, the partial results give Filipinos a preview of how the Senate, House of Representatives, and key local positions may look in the months ahead.
As of May 13, around 89% of election returns had been processed, painting a picture of an electorate both reaffirming familiar names and welcoming new political players.
Calm and Orderly Voting, Despite Technical Setbacks
Millions of Filipinos turned out in what appears to be a relatively peaceful and efficient election day. COMELEC reports suggest that approximately 77% of registered voters cast their ballots — slightly up from the 2022 turnout. The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that election-related incidents were minimal, though some areas, particularly in Mindanao, remained under close watch due to historical volatility.
However, the day wasn’t without technical hiccups. Several vote-counting machines (VCMs) failed or malfunctioned, prompting the use of contingency procedures such as backup SD cards and manual voting protocols. Despite the setbacks, the COMELEC emphasized that these issues were isolated and handled in compliance with electoral guidelines.
Senate Race: A Crossroad of Experience and Reform
The senatorial elections, which determine 12 of the 24 Senate seats, have drawn significant national attention. Based on the partial and unofficial results, former Vice President Leni Robredo leads the count, signifying strong public support for her return to public office. She is trailed by a mix of reelectionists and newcomers, including Juan Miguel Zubiri and Risa Hontiveros.
Isko Moreno, who previously served as Manila’s mayor, is performing well, likely buoyed by his strong urban voter base. Likewise, Raffy Tulfo, a reelectionist senator known for his media career, remains a dominant figure in the rankings.
Surprisingly, several first-time Senate hopefuls have made significant inroads. Lawyer Chel Diokno, known for his human rights advocacy, is hovering just within the Magic 12, along with respected journalist-turned-candidate Karen Davila. Their emergence signals growing support for independent voices and reform-minded leadership.
This evolving composition may reflect a Senate more open to diverse views and progressive policy debate in the next Congress.
Congressional Contests: Dynasties and Challenges
The House of Representatives is also seeing fierce competition. Political families continue to dominate in many districts, with familiar names leading in various parts of the country. In Ilocos Norte’s 1st District, Representative Sandro Marcos, the President’s son, appears set for reelection. In Davao City, Paolo Duterte maintains a comfortable lead.
In central Luzon, Pampanga’s Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a seasoned political figure, is regaining her seat. Meanwhile, Lucy Torres-Gomez of Leyte and actor Arjo Atayde in Quezon City are also faring well.
On the other hand, a number of younger and grassroots-backed candidates are gaining traction, particularly in urban districts and party-list groups. Kabataan Partylist, Akbayan, and Bayan Muna have secured strong vote shares, indicating that social movements continue to resonate with a segment of the electorate.
As with previous elections, the dominance of political dynasties remains evident, but the increasing competitiveness of new candidates may challenge that status quo in future electoral cycles.
Key Mayoral and Gubernatorial Contests
Local elections across the country have also delivered compelling races, especially in the National Capital Region. In Quezon City, incumbent Mayor Joy Belmonte is leading against her longtime rival, Herbert Bautista. If trends hold, this could mark her third term. In Manila, Honey Lacuna continues to command support and appears set to extend her leadership of the capital.
A controversial matchup in Makati between siblings Abby and Junjun Binay has again divided voters. Early numbers show Abby slightly ahead, but it remains a close race. Meanwhile, Pasig’s Vico Sotto, known for his governance reforms, is projected to secure another term with a decisive lead.
In provincial contests, dominant families are still very much in control. Gwendolyn Garcia is expected to remain Cebu’s governor, while Hermilando Mandanas continues to lead in Batangas. In Northern Mindanao, the Uy and Emano political clans are proving formidable, while Lanao del Sur’s gubernatorial race is tilting in favor of Zia Alonto Adiong.
These early results suggest that while the appetite for change exists in some localities, traditional political structures continue to hold sway in much of the countryside.
Electoral System: Automation Delivers Mixed Results
The use of an automated election system (AES) has been both praised and scrutinized in the aftermath of the vote. COMELEC confirmed that over a thousand vote-counting machines experienced errors, mostly related to paper jams, screen glitches, or transmission failures. Replacement units were deployed, and COMELEC insists the integrity of the election was not compromised.
Despite these problems, over 89% of vote transmissions were completed within 12 hours, indicating improved efficiency compared to past elections. Rural and remote areas lagged slightly due to internet access limitations, but overall, the speed of reporting has been seen as a positive development.
Election watchdogs such as the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) are conducting their own parallel tallies and have so far reported consistency with official transmissions. PPCRV is urging the public to remain cautious in interpreting partial results and wait for the official canvass for confirmation.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Digital platforms played an outsized role in this election cycle, amplifying both civic engagement and disinformation. With more than half of registered voters under 40, apps like TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) were major arenas for political messaging.
However, fact-checking organizations noted a spike in coordinated misinformation campaigns, including fake endorsements, altered videos, and fabricated survey results. Civil society groups called on tech companies to take stronger action, and COMELEC has committed to investigating potential violations of election laws and digital ethics.
Statements from Political Leaders
As early results became public, political camps offered measured responses. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not issued a formal endorsement for the Senate race but has congratulated local allies for their performance. He called on all candidates and citizens to respect the electoral process.
Vice President Sara Duterte, speaking from Davao, welcomed the early victories of her allies under the Lakas-CMD party and highlighted the importance of local empowerment moving forward.
Meanwhile, opposition group 1Sambayan issued a statement lauding the possible return of progressive voices in the Senate and emphasized the need for stronger checks and balances in government.
What Comes Next
COMELEC has started the official canvassing process, with initial tallies from overseas voting precincts already arriving at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Local winners—especially mayors and governors—are expected to be proclaimed within days. The official list of winning senators and party-list groups may be finalized by the end of the week.
COMELEC Chair George Garcia assured the public that the commission will respond to all verified complaints and ensure transparency and fairness in the final count.
Conclusion: A Turning Point or More of the Same?
The early results of the 2025 Philippine elections reveal a country still deeply influenced by traditional politics but increasingly open to new leadership styles and reformist ideals. While dynasties continue to dominate many races, the emergence of opposition figures and independent candidates hints at a growing appetite for change.
As the country waits for the official proclamation of winners, one thing remains clear: democracy is alive, contested, and evolving in the Philippines.
