The Philippines’ Dynastic Democracy

The essay examines the surprising outcome of the 12 May 2025 elections in the Philippines and, more broadly, the emerging political landscape in the vital Southeast Asian nation. The stakes were extremely high as evident in the historic turnout, especially among the younger Gen Z generation. The race pit the country’s two powerful dynasties—Duterte and Marcos—against each other, but was also an indirect showdown between the world’s two superpowers. While China has been accused of backing Duterte-aligned elements in hopes of restoring a more friendly regime in Manila, the second Trump administration has largely stood by the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration, which has rapidly expanded defense ties with traditional Western partners and adopted a tougher stance in the South China Sea disputes. The senate race was particularly crucial, since the legislative body is deliberating the potential impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte on charges of corruption and abuse of power. Though the Marcos camp heavily underperformed in the senatorial race, barely winning half of the 12 seats up for grabs, it was not a straightforward victory for the Dutertes. The shocking success of liberal-progressive candidates, most notably former Senators Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino and Francis Pangilinan, has raised hopes of a potential “third force” in Philippine politics. With three major camps vying for power ahead of the 2028 presidential elections, the Philippines has entered a new twilight zone

Democracy · Development economics · Economics · Political science · Politics · Asian Studies and History · Law · Philippine History and Culture

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