Philippine Midterm Elections: Assessing Duterte's And Marcos's Performances

Hugo van Dijk

6 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.8

Share

Duterte's Performance and its Reflection in the Midterm Elections

President Duterte's tenure has been marked by bold policies, sparking both fervent support and significant controversy. The midterm elections provided a clear reflection of the public's response to these policies across various sectors.

Economic Policies and Public Perception

Duterte's flagship "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program aimed to revitalize the Philippine economy through massive infrastructure development. However, its impact on voter choices is complex.

• Positive Impacts: Job creation in construction and related industries, improved transportation infrastructure in certain regions, increased foreign investment in some sectors.
• Negative Impacts: Significant increase in national debt, uneven distribution of benefits leading to increased inequality, concerns about transparency and corruption in project implementation.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) regarding job growth and infrastructure spending, alongside independent analyses of debt-to-GDP ratios, are crucial for a comprehensive assessment. Voter sentiment, as reflected in pre-election surveys and post-election analyses, reveals a mixed bag, with some appreciating infrastructure improvements while others remain concerned about the economic cost and its social impact. The economic performance during the midterm election period undoubtedly played a role in shaping voter decisions.

"War on Drugs" and its Electoral Consequences

Duterte's controversial "war on drugs" campaign remains a highly divisive issue. Its influence on the midterm election outcomes is undeniable, despite the lack of direct, quantifiable impact.

• Support for the Campaign: Strong support persists in certain sectors, particularly among those who believe it effectively reduced crime rates in their communities.
• Human Rights Concerns: International condemnation and persistent human rights concerns continue to overshadow the campaign, alienating many voters concerned about due process and the rule of law.
• Impact on Specific Regions and Demographics: The impact varied significantly across different regions and demographic groups. Areas heavily affected by the campaign saw shifts in political allegiances, while others remained largely unaffected.

Polling data from organizations like Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations, along with expert analyses from human rights organizations and academic researchers, provide crucial insights into the complex impact of the "war on drugs" on the election. The campaign's legacy continues to shape the political landscape.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

Duterte's pivot towards China, marked by a recalibration of foreign policy alliances, also influenced the midterm elections.

• Changes in Alliances: Shifting away from traditional allies like the United States in favor of closer ties with China.
• Economic Relationships: Increased economic cooperation with China, including infrastructure investments and trade agreements.
• Public Opinion on Foreign Policy: Public opinion on this shift remains divided, with some supporting closer ties with China for economic benefits, while others express concern about potential security implications and loss of traditional alliances.

News articles covering Duterte's foreign policy decisions and their economic and diplomatic ramifications, alongside analyses from foreign policy experts, shed light on the impact of these changes on the electorate. The public's response to these shifts played a significant role in shaping the midterm election results.

The Marcos Legacy and the 2022 Midterm Elections

The enduring influence of the Marcos family on Philippine politics is a significant factor shaping the midterm elections. Understanding this influence requires analyzing several key aspects.

Political Dynasties and Voter Preferences

The Marcos family's political dynasty represents a powerful force in Philippine politics.

• Voter Loyalty to the Marcos Name: Decades of political power have fostered strong loyalty amongst certain segments of the population.
• Historical Revisionism: The active promotion of a more positive narrative around the Marcos regime has helped to rehabilitate their image in the minds of many.
• Campaign Strategies: The Marcos family’s sophisticated campaign strategies effectively leveraged this loyalty and historical revisionism.

Sociological studies analyzing voter behavior and the influence of political dynasties in the Philippines provide valuable context. Research exploring the dynamics of political memory and historical revisionism helps to understand the ongoing appeal of the Marcos name.

Economic Promises and the Election

Candidates aligned with the Marcos family made numerous economic promises during the campaign.

• Economic Development Plans: Promises centered on job creation, poverty reduction, and economic growth.
• Promises to Address Poverty: Appeals to address the socioeconomic inequalities prevalent in the Philippines.
• Public Perception of these Promises: Public reception to these promises was mixed, with some expressing skepticism given the family's historical record.

A comparison of these promises with those made by opposing candidates, alongside analysis of their alignment with Duterte's economic agenda, reveals important insights into the electoral dynamics. The credibility of these promises, given past performance, likely influenced voter decisions.

Historical Revisionism and its Impact

The impact of historical narratives surrounding the Marcos regime on the elections cannot be overstated.

• The Spread of Misinformation: The deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation online significantly impacted public perception.
• The Role of Social Media: Social media platforms became key vectors for disseminating both accurate and false information about the Marcos regime.
• The Counter-Narratives: Efforts to counter historical revisionism through education and awareness campaigns faced significant challenges.

Historians' analyses of the Marcos regime and media analysts' examination of disinformation campaigns offer crucial perspectives on the impact of historical narratives on the electoral landscape. The implications for democratic processes, where accurate historical understanding is paramount, are far-reaching.

Conclusion

The Philippine midterm elections offer a complex and multifaceted view of the performance of President Duterte and the enduring legacy of the Marcos family. Duterte's policies, particularly his economic programs and "war on drugs" campaign, generated mixed reactions, shaping the electoral landscape. The Marcos family's influence, fueled by historical revisionism and carefully crafted campaign strategies, remained a powerful force. Significant trends emerged, highlighting the interplay between economic performance, social issues, historical narratives, and voter preferences.

To further engage with this critical analysis of the Philippine Midterm Elections, we urge readers to delve deeper into the candidates' platforms, analyze relevant policies, and explore the rich historical context. Forming informed opinions requires understanding the nuances of these complex issues. Participate in future elections and continue the discussion regarding the performance of elected officials through civic engagement and further analysis of the Philippine Midterm Elections. Your informed participation is crucial for a robust and accountable democracy.