The dust has settled on the 2025 midterm elections, and the nation is both weary and restless.
Voting has always been a reflection of Filipinos’ hopes and woes. The results clearly show that challenges persist as political dynasties and corruption-tainted candidates still managed to earn seats in public office.
Woes may still outweigh hope, but hope remains—buoyed by the surprising performance of reformists in the senatorial, party-list and local races.
According to initial data from the Commission on Elections, the recent elections recorded the highest voter turnout in the history of Philippine midterm elections at 81.65% despite the long queues and scorching heat.
At least 30% or 20 million voters are aged 18 to 29 years old and the partial and unofficial results reveal that the youth vote can be a force to be reckoned with.
The looming victories of issue-driven candidates and the rejection of those whose only claim to fame is their popularity, showmanship and cultish charisma indicate that the youth vote has started to make itself felt in the electoral landscape.
Glimpses of reform are seen as former lawmakers Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan enter the Magic 12 despite the absence of machinery and their weak performance in pre-election surveys.
While familiar names such as Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronaldo “Bato” Dela Rosa, Erwin Tulfo, Rodante Marcoleta, Tito Sotto, Camille Villar, Lito Lapid and Imee Marcos are poised to win, the support obtained by non-traditional politicians are encouraging.
Millions supported labor leader Luke Espiritu, former lawmaker Teddy Casino, farmer-activist Danilo Ramos, workers rights advocate Sonny Matula and Artlets professor Angelo De Alban, a respectable showing by relative unknowns who have very limited budgets and media exposure.
Former Commissioner on Audit commissioner Heidi Mendoza gained 8,741,903 votes, while Ramon Magsasay Awardee and fisherman Roberto Ballon received 2,383,607 votes.
Mendoza and Ballon ranked 29-40 and 48-64, respectively, in the latest pre-election survey conducted by Pulse Asia. However, they placed higher in the actual polls with Mendoza placing 21st spot and Ballon 42nd.
Though these candidates had weak standing, convincing millions of voters reflects a headwind for an electoral system long shaped by political machinery and money.
They may have lost, but an election rooted in platforms, public service and grassroots movements seems to have gained ground.
The young voters’ preference for advocacy-driven and reform-oriented bets have also spared the Senate from clowns, recycled politicians and morally dubious figures who have long disarmed the gullible with their looks, surnames, wealth, and imagined empathy.
Local races also show cracks in dynastic politics.
For one, independent bet Mark Anthony Santos pulled off an upset against Sen. Cynthia Villar in the Las Piñas congressional race. No one expected this, particularly because the Villars have long since entrenched themselves in national politics and the real estate business.
Bong Rodriguez, who got 428,031 votes, was close to beating longtime politician Luis “L-Ray” Villafuerte, who obtained 519,553 votes in the Camarines Sur gubernatorial race.
The margin was close even if Rodriguez was not endorsed by former vice president Mayor Leonor “Leni” Robredo, who won in the Naga City mayoralty race.
Former state university president Patrick Alain Azanza won the gubernatorial seat in Catanduanes against Bosste Cua, whose family had started dominating the local political scene in 2007.
In Albay, Noel Rosal led the gubernatorial polls against Rep. Joey Salceda. While Rosal is slowly building his political dynasty, he is touted as a better option than Salceda, who has been labeled by his critics as a “political butterfly.”
In Santa Ignacia, Tarlac, Bong Leal Tan won the polls with 17,140 votes against Vanessa Singson’s 12,008. Vanessa is the daughter of former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, who is considered as a “kingmaker” in the region.
In San Fernando, Pampanga, Mayor Vilma Caluag won re-election, defeating Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab. Caluag’s rival comes from the Pineda dynasty of Pampanga, headed by Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda, a known political kingmaker of the province.
There may have been a lot of factors behind these shocking outcomes, but it is not unreasonable to assume that one of them is the youth vote.
However, it is important to note that the youth do not simply vote. Conversations about job security, access to education and environmental protection empowered the youth to demand a different brand of politics in the country, one that is anchored in accountability, transparency and genuine public service.
The 2025 midterm elections reveal a hopeful pattern for reformists and a dire future for traditional politicians. However, the fall of large dynasties and systemic change remains a steep climb for those who are aspiring for positive change.
The battle is far from over, but for the first time in a long time, the trapos are now on their toes.
The youth vote has brought winds of change and has made its presence felt. It will take time before it overhauls our rotten political system.
But power players and rent seekers benefiting from money, celebrity and dynastic politics should expect a brewing storm waiting to strike. F
