Philippine voters delivered a blow to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and a boost to the controversial Duterte clan, whose performance in midterm elections Monday shows they may have a chance to regain the nation’s highest office in 2028.

The Philippines is eagerly awaiting the results of the midterm election, with over 18,000 positions up for grabs, including local and congressional seats. But the spotlight is on the Senate race. The contest in the Senate is not only seen as a referendum on President Ferdinand Marcos Junior’s leadership,

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has been dealt an unexpected blow in the midterms, with his Senate candidates set to pick up fewer seats than expected, according to early results. The election was a showdown between Marcos and his Vice-President Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte.