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MANILA, Philippines — Despite Malacañang’s declaration that President Marcos was satisfied with the results of the midterm polls, the Chief Executive on Saturday admitted that the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas could have done better.
“We all wish we had better results. But we live to fight another day,” Marcos said during an appearance Saturday night at the Alyansa headquarters, hours after the Commission on Elections proclaimed the winning senatorial candidates in the midterm polls.
“It’s time to put all of the issues that were raised during the elections, and only talk about not political issues but developmental issues – healthcare issues, education issues, agricultural issues, supply issues, all of these things,” the President said.
Midway through his six-year term, Marcos reminded supporters that their work extends beyond elections.
“Sana naman… ako, lagi kong binibilang ang araw na natitira sa term ko – at kailangan matapos natin ‘yong mga nasimulan natin (I wish. I always count the remaining days before my term ends – and we should finish what we started),” he said.
Despite the results, Marcos called on his team to keep their focus on governance and policy priorities.
“So that’s what I will ask of you to help me with in the coming three years. I know that you will once again, as you did before, do a very, very good job and make a success at whatever it is that we are trying to do,” he added.
Marcos thanked the Alyansa staff, allies and some candidates for their hard work during the campaign. He also acknowledged the efforts exerted by his campaign team to secure Senate seats.
“Kaya ko pinilit na makapunta rito (That’s why I made an effort to be here),” he said. “You have to understand that we know very well. We know that you are clearly working and doing your job.”
The slate secured at least five seats through returning senators Vicente Sotto III, Panfilo Lacson, reelectionist Senators Pia Cayetano and Lito Lapid; and newcomer Erwin Tulfo.
Although originally part of the Alyansa Senate slate, Camille Villar had openly aligned with Vice President Sara Duterte, the Marcos administration’s arch foe, days before the elections.
On the statement of Alyansa campaign manager Rep. Toby Tiangco that the administration slate lost votes because of her impeachment, Duterte said she would rather see a study proving such observation first before making a comment.
“I cannot say that without (seeing) a study. Maybe Cong. Toby Tiangco has access to a study and that was why he was able to say that. But I could not say that it was the reason as to why the turnout was not good for Alyansa” in the senatorial race, Duterte said.
Toby also blames budget, MAIP mess
Tiangco has also blamed the controversy over the 2026 national budget for the Alyansa’s weak showing. The mangling of the budget has been challenged before the Supreme Court by several groups.
He said the House leadership also blocked the release of the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients or MAIP by the Department of Health to constituents of congressmen who refused to sign the impeachment complaint.
Several of the affected congressmen sought his help, so Tiangco said he brought it to the attention of Marcos, who ordered the release of the funds.
This was proof that Marcos was not in favor of Duterte’s impeachment, Tiangco told The STAR over the weekend.
The House has pointed out that 100 of the congressmen who signed the impeachment complaint were reelected.
Congressmen have also denied that there is a looming leadership change in the House in the 20th Congress, with Tiangco eyed to replace Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Tiangco told The STAR that he was not actively seeking the speakership and he would bow to the will of the House majority.
He said he had not talked to Romauldez recently, and Marcos has made no move to mediate between them. Tiangco and Romualdez are related by marriage.
European Union observers shocked, disappointed
Barely a week after the elections, European Union (EU) observers, meanwhile, have expressed disappointment at being barred from voting precincts on election day, saying they would not have arrived in the country had they not been invited by the Comelec.
Marta Temido, a member of the European Parliament, said the EU Election Observers Mission (EOM) was “surprised” and “shocked” by the Comelec’s decision not to honor their agreement giving EOM delegates access to voting precincts across the country.
“The commitment previously signed by European Union, the Philippine authorities and the Comelec was not respected,” Temido said.
“We would not have deployed the mission at all. The decision to not allow us into precincts was communicated to us just four days before elections. We were very surprised, shocked,” she said.
“Disregarding prior commitments, Comelec’s assertions that EU observers were not allowed in the voting precincts undermined the EU EOM’s ability to observe voting procedures,” Temido explained.
“As a result, the EU EOM could no longer ensure meaningful observation of the voting phase in all polling stations during the voting hours. Consequently, the Mission did not deploy its full team of observers as originally planned,” she added.
In a related development, the Federation of Free Workers said it wants to participate in the deliberation on a petition with the Supreme Court compelling Congress to legislate an enabling law on banning of political dynasties, as provided for under the 1987 Constitution. — Mayen Jaymalin, Pia Lee-Brago, Evelyn Macairan
