Philippine Midterm Elections 2024: Duterte's Strong Showing Against Marcos

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Duterte's Political Machine Remains Active

The former president's influence extends far beyond his term. His enduring political network continues to play a significant role in shaping the 2024 Philippine midterm elections.

The Power of the PDP-Laban and Allied Parties

The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Duterte's former party, and its allied parties retain considerable influence. Many candidates loyal to Duterte are contesting the elections, leveraging his enduring popularity.

• Key Figures: Several prominent figures from PDP-Laban and allied parties are vying for Senate and local positions, carrying the mantle of Duterte's legacy. Their candidacies are attracting considerable attention and potentially significant votes.
• Endorsements: While Duterte has officially stepped back from active politics, his endorsements continue to hold significant weight. Any public statement of support from the former president is likely to significantly boost a candidate's campaign.
• Party Platform: The PDP-Laban's platform, while evolving, still reflects many of Duterte's core policy positions, such as focusing on infrastructure development and a tough stance on crime. This resonates with a portion of the electorate, potentially creating friction or synergy with the Marcos administration’s agenda.

Duterte's Populist Appeal

Duterte's populist appeal remains a powerful force. His direct communication style, tough stance on crime, and focus on infrastructure projects continue to resonate with a significant segment of the Philippine population.

• Enduring Policies: Policies implemented during Duterte's presidency, even those controversial, continue to be discussed and debated, impacting the political discourse in the lead up to the 2024 Philippine Elections.
• Ongoing Controversies: While some controversies surrounding Duterte's administration have faded, others remain active, influencing public opinion and potentially impacting his supporters' voting decisions.
• Social Media Influence: Duterte's supporters remain active on social media, spreading his message and countering criticism. This online presence maintains his influence, impacting the narrative surrounding the 2024 Philippine midterm elections.

The Marcos Administration's Challenges

The Marcos administration faces the significant challenge of navigating the complex political landscape shaped by Duterte's legacy.

Addressing Duterte's Legacy

The Marcos administration must grapple with the policies and initiatives inherited from the Duterte administration. This necessitates careful consideration of how to continue, modify, or reject specific policies, mindful of public opinion and political repercussions.

• Policy Continuities and Divergences: The Marcos administration’s approach to key Duterte-era policies, such as the "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program or the war on drugs, will significantly impact its standing with various segments of the population.
• Public Reaction: Public response to the Marcos administration's handling of Duterte's legacy will be crucial in shaping the political landscape of the 2024 Philippine midterm elections.

Managing Political Divisions

The political landscape remains deeply divided. The Marcos administration must manage the delicate balance of consolidating power while addressing the ongoing influence of Duterte and his allies.

• Relationship with Duterte Allies: The Marcos administration's relationship with Duterte's allies is delicate. Any overt conflict could destabilize the political landscape and negatively impact the 2024 Philippine Elections.
• Impact on Elections: The ongoing political divisions within the country will inevitably shape the outcome of the 2024 Philippine midterm elections, potentially leading to unexpected results.

Key Races to Watch

The influence of Duterte's network will be most keenly felt in specific races.

Senate and Local Elections

Several key races warrant close attention, given the potential influence of Duterte's support.

• Key Senatorial Candidates: Several senatorial candidates have strong links to Duterte, potentially impacting the overall makeup of the Senate after the 2024 Philippine Elections.
• Local Races: Duterte's influence is expected to be especially strong in specific regions where his popularity remains high.
• Voter Demographics: Understanding the voter demographics in these key regions, and their alignment with Duterte's legacy, is crucial for accurate election forecasting.
• Potential Election Results: Analyzing existing polls and political commentary can provide insights into potential outcomes in these races, highlighting the impact of Duterte's influence on the Philippine midterm elections.

Conclusion

The 2024 Philippine midterm elections will be a crucial test of the Marcos administration's ability to navigate the enduring legacy of Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte’s continued influence, manifested through his political machine, populist appeal, and loyal allies, presents significant challenges for the current administration. The key races, particularly those with candidates linked to Duterte, will be instrumental in determining the balance of power in the coming years. The evolving relationship between Duterte and Marcos will significantly shape the political landscape of the Philippines. The 2024 Philippine midterm elections are crucial for understanding the future trajectory of Philippine politics. Stay informed about the evolving dynamics between Duterte and Marcos, and follow the key races to better understand the impact of Duterte’s enduring influence on the Philippine Midterm Elections 2024. Further research and analysis of the Philippine political landscape are vital to fully grasp the implications of this complex power dynamic.