The 2025 Philippine midterm elections have wrapped up, with the votes cast and local races — especially in Metro Manila — drawing intense attention as the nation awaits official results.

Home to roughly 13.5 million Filipinos, Metro Manila comprises 16 cities and one municipality: Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Makati, Taguig, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Malabon, Navotas, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Pasay, Valenzuela, Marikina, Muntinlupa and Pateros.

This year, over 7.56 million registered voters across the National Capital Region trooped to polling precincts to choose the next leaders who will govern their cities and communities for the next three years.

Tight races, familiar names

In the 17 localities, 11 incumbent mayors sought reelection — Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, Valenzuela’s Wes Gatchalian, Malabon’s Jeannie Sandoval, Quezon City’s Joy Belmonte, Navotas’ John Rey Tiangco, and Caloocan’s Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan.

Also aiming to extend their terms were Vico Sotto (Pasig), Ruffy Biazon (Muntinlupa), Lani Cayetano (Taguig), Francis Zamora (San Juan) and Emi Calixto-Rubiano (Pasay).

Based on early assessments by political analysts and exit poll projections, at least six of the incumbents — Belmonte, Gatchalian, Biazon, Cayetano, Tiangco, Rubiano, and Zamora — were likely to retain their seats. The rest were in neck-and-neck contests, with results too close to call.

Manila’s three-way mayoral battle

The capital city saw one of the most heated mayoral contests, with Honey Lacuna, the city’s first female mayor, fending off strong challenges from her former ally Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso and Tutok To Win partylist representative Sam Verzosa.

Domagoso, fresh from an unsuccessful 2022 presidential run, attempted to regain the City Hall he once held. Verzosa, a first-time mayoral hopeful, entered the race as a dark horse, hoping to leverage his media popularity and grassroots support.

With all ballots cast, Manila residents are now waiting to see whether experience, star power, or fresh energy will win the day.

Teodoro vs Quimbo in Marikina

In Marikina, a closely watched face-off unfolded between Rep. Maan Teodoro, wife of suspended Mayor Marcy Teodoro, and Rep. Stella Quimbo of the city’s 2nd District. The race reflects the deepening rivalry between the Teodoro and Quimbo political camps, each claiming to represent good governance and local reform.

A family feud in Makati

Makati’s political landscape continues to be defined by dynastic drama — this time with Senator Nancy Binay facing off against her brother-in-law, 2nd District Rep. Luis Campos, the husband of outgoing Mayor Abby Binay, who is running for the Senate.

Though internal family rivalries are not new in Makati, the Binay-Campos clash has drawn public attention due to its implications on the city’s political legacy and control over one of the country’s wealthiest urban centers.

Old name vs new money in Pasig

In Pasig, Mayor Vico Sotto is vying for a third and final term. Sotto, known for ending the decades-long Eusebio dynasty, is being challenged by billionaire businesswoman Sarah Discaya.

Discaya sought to capitalize on issues surrounding the alleged “overpriced” Pasig City Hall building project — an allegation Sotto has repeatedly denied and addressed publicly. The race became a test of reformist governance versus traditional wealth-backed candidacy.

Looking ahead

While national attention remains fixed on the senatorial race, local contests have proven equally impactful. With votes now cast, the region — and the nation — awaits the final tally that will determine not just the Senate’s direction, but also how Metro Manila’s cities will be run in the next three years.

From family rivalries to reformist candidates, political comebacks to emerging names, the results of these local races are expected to send ripples far beyond the capital.