Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr might recalibrate his China policy after failing to stem the influence of rival Vice-President Sara Duterte in a midterm election tussle between two of Manila’s most powerful political dynasties, according to analysts.
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The observers noted that Duterte, now likely to survive an impeachment trial in July, was poised to become a formidable candidate in the country’s 2028 presidential election, and her “pragmatic” stance on China could usher in better China-Philippines ties if she succeeded in the race.
Accused of misusing millions in public funds and plotting to assassinate Marcos, Duterte needs nine out of 24 senators to vote in her favour to block a conviction.
With 12 Senate seats up for grabs in the midterms on Monday, preliminary results on Wednesday evening showed that candidates aligned with Marcos were on track to secure six seats, falling below expectations.
Duterte’s allies were poised to claim five – an outcome that could shield her from a conviction and preserve her eligibility to run in the 2028 presidential race.
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Japan, Philippines push security and economic ties as Ishiba holds talks in Manila
Japan, Philippines push security and economic ties as Ishiba holds talks in Manila
Qi Huaigao, a professor and vice-dean at Fudan University’s Institute of International Studies, said Marcos had failed to eliminate the Duterte political dynasty’s grip on power, and the vice-president was likely to receive enough backing to avoid impeachment.