s not over, but it is certain the Marcos administration’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate has failed to win a majority of the 12 Senate seats up for grabs, taking only four seats (E. Tulfo, Lacson, Sotto and Lapid).

Meanwhile, the Duterte slate landed six spots (Go, Dela Rosa, Marcoleta, Marcos, Villar and Cayetano), while the KNP-Liberal coalition grabbed two (Aquino and Pangilinan). Others’ tally is 5-5-2, but I digress given Cayetano is aligned with the Villars’ Nacionalista Party, and the Villars have unequivocally sided with the Dutertes. Moreover, Cayetano’s brother, Alan, was FPRRD’s running mate in 2016. So Cayetano may not be solidly with Marcos, especially when it comes to the Dutertes.

The results are very telling of the pervasive impact of the arrest and rendition of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD). Clearly, the timing of the populist strongman’s arrest was far from perfect as could be gleaned from the dismal approval and trust ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in its aftermath.

On the other hand, the poll results reaffirmed the political reach and influence of FPRRD despite his detention in The Hague. VP Sara was, albeit belatedly, able to capitalize on her father’s popularity with the masses. She could have consolidated more support and votes had she come back from the Netherlands earlier to rally the people behind her father’s cause.

In the 2019 midterm elections, no one on the Liberal Party’s slate won as senator. But with the escalating feud between the erstwhile UniTeam running mates, Aquino and Pangilinan gained ground to land in the top 6. Whispers of deals brokered behind closed doors involving these two “surprise” comeback winners abound. Whether or not there is truth to these rumors, only time will tell. Keen political observers will be on the lookout for signs confirming the quid pro quo arrangements allegedly discussed.

Where there is smoke, there’s bound to be fire. In the weeks before the elections, attempts to sow discord within the administration’s ranks were made. Memos and plans were allegedly “leaked” to the public. No doubt there are power struggles and factions within the Marcos camp but if they are to have a chance at extinguishing the political power and influence of the Dutertes going into the 2028 presidential elections, they will have to get their act together and get the right people in the right places to do the right things.

And no, it’s not about pushing through with the P20 per kilo rice that was made possible only by a direct subsidy. The people are looking for long-term, sustainable programs that will provide affordable food, clean water, lower power rates, better paying jobs, quality healthcare and education, ease of mobility, and safer streets for all.

Three years into this administration and the people’s lives have not gotten any better.

The 2025 midterm election round goes to the Dutertes for thwarting a sweep by the Marcos Alyansa slate. As the results settle, preparations will follow for the next round — the long-awaited impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Expect more wheeling and dealing to happen to ensure the VP’s conviction or acquittal in the impeachment trial.

The whole country is watching each battle unfold in the war between the Marcoses and the Dutertes like episodes of binge-worthy historical sagas we watch on TV.