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Jean Mangaluz - Philstar.com
May 15, 2025 | 2:08pm
A photo composite of the different senators and candidates leading in the preliminary 2025 midterm tallies.
Michael Varcas / The Philippine STAR and Sen. Risa Hontiveros / Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — Following the result of the 2025 midterm polls, Malacañang said that all colors of the political spectrum are welcome, except obstructionists.
The Magic 12 are composed in equal parts of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s camp, as well as those allied with Vice President Sara Duterte, with only former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan being aligned with neither party.
Aquino and Pangilinan’s surprise performance blocked the Duterte and Marcos slates from complete victory, accompanied by the shifting allegiances of Rep. Camille Villar (Las Piñas, Lone District) and Sen. Imee Marcos.
“Inaasahan din po ng administrasyon ang presensiya ng lehitimong oppositionist pero lalabanan po ang mga obstructionists na nagtatago sa pangalan ng oppositionist, mga obstructionists na maaaring pansarili lamang ang kanilang ilalaban,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
(The administration is expecting the presence of legitimate oppositionist, but we will fight obstructionists who are hiding behind the names of oppositionists.)
Castro named no party in particular, but the Duterte slate has already proclaimed itself to be the opposition. However, liberal and left-leaning groups have already disowned the Duterte allies, calling themselves this.
But what would be the difference between the opposition and obstructionists?
Castro said the opposition still fought for the country while obstructionists merely sought to slander the government and advance their self-interests.
For example, should these obstructionists start spreading disinformation, the Palace will counter that.
The Palace said that it respects the result of the elections, as the nation has already made its choice.
Castro also rejected claims by the Duterte camp that the election was a result of the Marcos administration’s persecution of the Davao clan.
“Kung may dapat managot, at ito naman po ay naaayon sa batas, dapat hong managot,” Castro said.
(If there is someone who should be liable, and this is in accordance with the law, they should be held liable.)
Out of Marcos’ slate, only Senators Pia Cayetano and Lito Lapid, Rep. Erwin Tulfo, former senators Ping Lacson and Tito Sotto secured a spot in unofficial vote tallies.
Meanwhile, three of Duterte’s first picks also won: Senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa defended their seats in the Senate, while Rep. Rodante Marcoleta also won.
Rep. Camille Villar and Sen. Imee Marcos have swayed between the two camps, although Imee is the only one among them who publicly disowned her brother’s slate, choosing to side with the Dutertes.
The midterm polls are widely seen as a litmus test that will reveal how Duterte's impeachment trial will proceed in the Senate during the 19th and 20th Congress.
