The 2025 Midterm Elections on May 12 delivered a surprise that went against the pre-election polls, showing an awakening of the generation of young voters who switched from old-fashioned dynasty politics.
The result established a new Senate composition that strategically positions Vice President Sara Duterte for her trial, however, it revealed cracks in President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s political coalition as it highlights the shifting political consciousness of the voting public in this year’s election.
Disruption on traditional politics
Millennial and Generation Z voters rejected celebrity candidates and political dynasties in favor of alternatives that focus on concrete policy. In an interview with BusinessWorld, senior research fellow at Ateneo Policy Center, Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco identified this phenomenon as a critical departure from historical preferences, explaining: "I think there is now a brewing anxiety, and that is giving voters pause. Na baka nga hindi na okay na bumoto ng dynastic candidates and celebrities, kasi wala naman silang nai-offer na solusyon.”
This generational rebellion manifested most dramatically in the unexpected collapse of several high-profile celebrity candidates who had dominated pre-election surveys. Former senator and actor Bong Revilla, boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, and television hosts Willie Revillame and Ben Tulfo all failed to secure Senate seats despite strong polling numbers.
Revillame, who consistently ranked among the top contenders in surveys, finished 22nd with only 8,568,924 votes, while Pacquiao secured 18th place with 10,397,133 votes. These outcomes were a radical departure from the Philippines' history of voting entertainment personalities into national office.
The change also influenced senior political clans, with some of the top family surnames not meeting survey expectations. Erwin Tulfo, who was first place in the last Social Weather Stations (SWS) pre-election survey, fell to fourth place in the actual election. Former Senate President Tito Sotto fell from expected fifth to eighth, and outgoing Makati City Mayor Abby Binay lost her Senate seat despite ranking 10th in pre-election surveys.
These outcomes reflected that younger voters further valued policy agendas and candidates' experience in government ahead of name identification or entertainment value. The generation's seriousness helped propel some politicians with good experience in governance and opposition politics.
Former Senator Aquilino “Bam” Aquino of the Liberal Party, familiar for his youth and education-focused bills, garnered 20,971,899 votes to finish second. Former vice presidential candidate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan finished fifth with 15,343,229 votes. The surveys showed that younger voters prized legislative and policy experience over celebrity culture or dynasty connections.
The Duterte presence reached the Senate race, where top lieutenants posted resounding wins well beyond political expectations. Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Rodrigo Duterte's former aide, emerged as the top elected senator nationwide with 27,121,073 votes, representing 6.33% of the total electorate. Re-electionist senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who supervised the controversial drug war campaign during his stint as former Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), secured third place with 20,773,946 votes, positioning him ahead of several Marcos-aligned candidates. Representative Rodante Marcoleta, another Duterte ally who previously pledged to defend Sara Duterte against impeachment, claimed the sixth Senate seat with 15,250,723 votes.
Young voters have increasingly chosen non-dynastic candidates, indicating a political shift on policy-focused decision-making aspirants, rather than the traditional politics. The stakes for upcoming elections are still high, as Millennials and Generation Z represent an ever-larger portion in the future.
Party-list results showcase political diversity
Party-list elections brought in a diverse political landscape, with 52 parties being accommodated in the House of Representatives. Akbayan Party-list, led by Atty. Chel Diokno, attained the highest votes with 2,779,621 or 6.63% and received three seats, with improved performance compared to the past polls.
The contentious suspension of the Duterte Youth party-list proclamation, even as it was elected to three seats with 2,338,564 votes (5.57%), underscored continuing political tensions regarding the latter's presidency. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) suspended its proclamation, as well as Bagong Henerasyon party-list, undermining the impartiality of the electoral process.
These suspensions represent unprecedented interference in party-list proclamations and may set concerning precedents for future elections. Traditional advocacy groups maintained strong representation across various sectors, reflecting the party-list system's continued relevance for marginalized communities.
Tingog Party-list secured three seats with 1,822,708 votes, showcasing voter engagement. Specific demographics, such as the Senior Citizens Party-list and United Senior Citizens Party-list, also gained representation. Labor organizations like Trade Union Congress Party and Kamanggagawa also gained representation.
Regional and sector-specific organizations, such as Ako Bicol, Uswag Ilonggo, and Ako Bisaya, represented specific regional interests. Professional groups like Alliance of Concerned Teachers and Manila Teachers Party-list maintained their legislative presence, ensuring education sector representation.
The party-list results also demonstrated the system's capacity for political innovation and adaptation. New organizations like Puwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat, Mamamayang Liberal, and FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list also gained representation.
However, the failure of some established progressive organizations like Gabriela Women's Party and BAYANMUNA Party-list to secure seats suggested shifting priorities among traditionally activist constituencies, possibly reflecting broader changes in civil society and political engagement patterns.
Dynamics is changing through time
The midterm elections in the Philippines have significantly impacted the country's political landscape, highlighting the power of grassroots networks and regional loyalty in democracy.
The emergence of Millennial and Generation Z voters signals a potential long-term shift in electoral behavior, potentially reshaping future campaigns and candidate selection processes. The new Senate composition creates a delicate balance of power, positioning the Vice President for her impeachment trial while constraining President Marcos's legislative agenda.
The party-list results in the Philippines show both continuity and change in civil society representation, with progressive organizations maintaining influence and emerging regional and sector-specific groups.
Despite challenges related to political dynasties, institutional independence, and the complex relationship between personality-driven politics and policy-focused governance, democracy remains vibrant for future elections.
