The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sent ripples through the country’s political landscape, reshaping the Senate race and exposing vulnerabilities in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ruling coalition.
Marcos Jr.’s senatorial slate, Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas, has struggled to maintain its footing in the wake of Duterte’s legal troubles. Once positioned as the administration’s dominant ticket, the slate now faces a shifting political tide as Duterte’s arrest fuels public outcry and mobilizes his loyal base. With his enduring influence, the former president remains a central figure in Philippine politics, even from the confines of detention.
Meanwhile, the Senate candidates of PDP-Laban, Duterte’s political party, appear to be gaining ground. The arrest has invigorated his supporters, many of whom see the move as a politically motivated crackdown. Duterte’s allies have seized on the moment, framing the election as a battle between the former president’s populist legacy and what they portray as an attempt by Marcos Jr. to consolidate power.
The outcome of the Senate race could have lasting consequences for the Marcos administration. A strong showing by Duterte-backed candidates could lead to a more combative legislative branch, complicating the president’s ability to push through key policies. As election day nears, the fracture within the once-powerful Duterte-Marcos alliance is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.