On 12 May, the Philippines held national and local midterm elections, with over 18,000 elective seats available, including local officials, 317 parliamentary representatives and 12 Senate seats. According to preliminary results, the Marcos administration retained its majority in the House of Representatives, securing approximately 104 seats out of 317. In the Senate, however, the Marcos administration secured only 6 out of 12 seats, giving it a slim majority, with opposition allies gaining more seats than anticipated (at least 5). Political analysts note this may affect Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. The Commission on Elections (COMLEC) reported a record midterm poll voter turnout at 82.2 per cent, up from 75.9 per cent in the 2019. This does not account for overseas voters, where turnout rates were slightly lower than the 2019 overseas voter turnout despite the implementation of online voting. Election observers noted that while COMLEC administered the elections effectively, challenges persist related to vote buying, abuse of state resources and occasional instances of violence at the local level. 

Sources: CSIS, BBC News, ANFREL, Rappler, COMLEC, International IDEA, Congress of the Philippines

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reported a record voter turnout of 82.2 per cent for the midterm elections, an increase from 75.9 per cent in 2019. This marks the highest turnout rate in the history of the country's midterm elections. Historically, midterm elections have seen lower turnout rates compared to presidential elections, which had a turnout of approximately 83.0 per cent in 2022. Political analysts attribute the increase in voter turnout to a significant rise in youth voters, along with initiatives implemented by COMELEC to enhance voter engagement.

Sources: Rappler, Manilla Bulletin, International IDEA

Ahead of the May 2025 midterm election, the Commission on Elections (COMLEC) introduced an online voting system to assist Filipinos living and working overseas. Previously, overseas voting was limited to in-person participation at designated embassies, consulates or mailing ballots. As of 14 April, over 77 Online Voting and Counting System hubs were activated, which will remain open until the 12 May election. According to COMLEC, this new system aims to increase accessibility and address the low turnout rates of oversees voters in previous elections, potentially benefiting approximately 1.2 million voters abroad. 

Sources: Inquirer, COMLEC, Rappler

On 11 March, authorities in the Philippines acting on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila. Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity related to the extrajudicial killings that occurred during his ‘war on drugs’ campaign between 2011 and 2019. Human rights experts have welcomed the arrest as a landmark step toward justice and in addressing the impunity surrounding drug-related killings. The ICC is scheduled to hold a confirmation of charges hearing on 23 September2025. Although Duterte had withdrawn the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, the ICC asserts that it still holds jurisdiction over crimes committed in the country before the withdrawal. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippines was fulfilling its legal obligations by cooperating, emphasizing that "this is what the international community expects of us."

Sources: Human Rights Watch, Rappler, BBC News, International Criminal Court

On 5 February, lawmakers voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte over several allegations, including for high-level corruption and threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The development follows months of an escalating feud between Marcos and Duterte. The impeachment motion cited constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, graft, and other serious crimes. An investigation into the misuse of public funds related to Duterte's roles as vice president and former education secretary is ongoing. Duterte denies any wrongdoing and will remain in office until her Senate impeachment trial, likely set for July after the midterm elections. If convicted, she could be removed from office and barred from future government positions, though it is uncertain if this would lead to a criminal case requiring her to return public funds.

Sources: Rappler, Reuters, East Asia Forum

According to local human rights lawyers, terrorism financing cases rose from 14 in 2023 to 66 in 2024—a 371 per cent increase, primarily targeting activists and human rights defenders. Many of the reported cases have involved individuals accused by the government of links to the communist insurgency, a claim often tied to the country’s widespread practice of “red tagging.” The findings came to light as the Philippines, in February, was removed from the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental organization supervising the international financial system. The designation had long restricted trade and financial transactions for Filipinos. While government officials welcomed the development, rights experts and advocates have warned that this coincides with the government’s escalating efforts to file baseless charges against civil society and activists. Human Rights Watch states that FATF standards have been weaponized to suppress dissent and arbitrarily freeze the assets of civil society groups.

Sources: Human Rights Watch, The Diplomat, Rappler, International IDEA