Today, nearly 69 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots in the 2025 midterm elections — votes that will make or break the nation in the coming days.

Unlike previous midterms, the stakes are higher this time, particularly at the national level. Those who secure seats in the so-called Magic 12 will not only serve as lawmakers but also sit as senator-judges in the anticipated impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Although the impeachment trial is set to begin in July, the full composition of the 20th Congress must be finalized first.

So, what will the new Senate look like? Will it resemble the 19th Congress, which many likened to a "family affair," with four seats occupied by members of the same political clans?

Recent pre-election surveys may offer some clues.

According to the Social Weather Stations survey conducted from 2 to 6 May, ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo is likely to lead the senatorial race, followed by reelectionist Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

Rep. Tulfo, who is running under the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, is the brother of incumbent Senator Raffy Tulfo, who won a six-year term in 2022.

Another familiar name expected to win a Senate seat is Makati Mayor Abby Binay, who placed in the top five of the same survey with 31 percent voter preference. If elected, she will replace her sister, Senator Nancy Binay, who is term-limited and currently engaged in a head-to-head mayoral race against Abby’s husband, Makati 2nd District Rep. Luis Campos.

The Tulfo family may further solidify its presence in the Senate if broadcaster Ben Tulfo also secures a spot in the Magic 12. If successful, three Tulfos will sit in the Senate. Other family members are also eyeing seats in the House of Representatives: ACT-CIS Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, QC 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo, and Turismo Party-list nominee Wanda Tulfo-Teo.

Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar is likewise a strong contender, based on the same survey. If elected, she will join her brother, Senator Mark Villar, and take the place of their mother, outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar, who is seeking to swap posts with her.

Another prominent name appearing in the Magic 12 is re-electionist Senator Pia Cayetano. If given another term, she will continue to serve alongside her brother, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

These candidates, if victorious, will join incumbent senators from well-established political dynasties, such as half-brothers Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito.

Should all of these contenders win, the 20th Congress may indeed resemble the 19th — same names, same faces.

At the end of the day, however, surveys are just surveys. The true power to shape the country’s future lies in the hands of the electorate.