WHAT many thought would mark the fall of the so-called Duterte Magic turned out to be the other way around, as the administration failed to clinch a sweep.
Worse, candidates from the “other side of the fence” managed to secure formidable spots in the list of senatoriables who would soon be forming part of the impeachment court that is slated to convene in July for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The administration-backed House prosecution panel needs two-thirds of the Senate members to get rid of the vice president for good.
SHAKY POSITION
Of the 12 original administration-backed senatorial bets, only former broadcast journalist Erwin Tulfo (occupying the 4th spot as 12:28 pm of May 13) could be considered “safe.”
According to political experts, the number of votes garnered by former senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Vicente “Tito” Sotto, reelectionist senators Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, and Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar, is not a guarantee that they would win.
For one, they don’t enjoy comfortable leads over their partymates Bong Revilla, Abby Binay, Benhur Abalos, and Manny Pacquiao. It is also mathematically possible for independent candidate Ben Tulfo (Erwin Tulfo’s brother) to make it in the winning column.
Looking at all this, yes, there always exist the kingmakers who can manipulate elections… They take control in mind setting to sway public opinion, tipping the balance of power.
STURDY OUTSIDERS
Topping the partial unofficial result of the 2025 senatorial race is reelectionist Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go (PDP), who is closely identified with the administration’s most vocal bashers — the Duterte family.
With 97 percent of election returns already tabulated, Go, who spent decades working as special assistant of former President Rodrigo Duterte, accumulated a whopping 26.46 million votes.
At far second is Liberal Party’s Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino with a little more than 20 million votes, followed by reelectionist Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. Former Senator Francis Pangilinan (LP) and SAGIP partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta ranked fifth and sixth, respectively.
Presidential sister Imee Marcos occupied the 12th spot as of this writing that already proclaimed around 90 percent of poll results.
POLITICAL MATURITY
To some, the entry of the two LP stalwarts is an indication of the Filipino voters’ political maturity.
The inclusion of Duterte allies like Go, Dela Rosa, Marcoleta, and Imee Marcos could be seen in two perspectives. It could prevent the Marcos administration from controlling the legislative branch of the government — or perhaps thwart VP Sara’s impeachment.
Meanwhile, Akbayan topped the partylist race with 2.75 million votes, followed by Duterte Youth which mustered 2.29 million markers. At the third spot is the Tingog partylist which was formed by House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Tingog’s first nominee is the House leader’s wife Yedda.
POLITICAL DYNASTY
The recent election also highlighted some improvement as a prominent member of a political dynasty failed to secure a win — outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar lost to Councilor Mark Anthony Santos.
Pacquiao’s relatives in Sarangani and General Santos City are headed for a win – but not him, who, as of this writing, holds the 18th spot.
Bong Revilla, who is considered the patriarch of the biggest political dynasty in the province Cavite, is also having a hard time entering the winning list, despite good standings in various pre-election commissioned political surveys.
With a little over 2,000 clustered precincts left, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay may not be able to make it to the Senate’s Magic 12. She is ranked number 15.
WHAT NEXT?
After the proxy war between two political dynasties, Marcos seemed to have weakened his hold on the Philippine Congress with the entry of “outsiders” coming from various political spectrums.
Marcos’ most vocal critic, former President Duterte, who is detained in The Hague for the crimes against humanity resulting from a bloody drug war that killed thousands, handily won as mayor of Davao City, without even campaigning.
The fate of his daughter Sara, who is facing an impeachment trial, remains in the balance, even as the outcome of the senate race will somehow give a glimpse as to what will happen to her political career.
Sara is expected to run for president in 2028. A guilty verdict by the Senate acting as impeachment court would effectively ban her from politics.
POSTSCRIPT: KINGMAKERS
Looking at all this, yes, there always exist the kingmakers who can manipulate elections, particularly in systems where political power is heavily influenced by money, media control, or informal networks.
A kingmaker is typically an individual or group with significant influence who helps decide the outcome of an election without necessarily running for office themselves. They take control in mind setting to sway public opinion, tipping the balance of power.
In societies with transparent electoral processes, an active civil society, and independent media, the influence of kingmakers can be checked or diminished.
With the rise of social media and increased voter education, traditional power brokers are finding it harder to control narratives and outcomes. Ultimately, while kingmakers can play a powerful role in shaping elections, their influence is limited when voters demand accountability and fair processes.