Manila, May 13 (V7N) — Voting has concluded in the Philippines’ midterm elections, which were marked by a rare undercurrent of political tension between the country’s top two leaders. Polls opened at 5:00 a.m. local time and closed at 7:00 p.m., with technical issues involving vote-counting machines causing delays in some precincts.

While midterm elections in the Philippines are typically less dramatic than general polls, this year’s vote unfolded against the backdrop of growing friction between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. Once close allies, the two now appear to be navigating an increasingly adversarial political relationship, which many observers describe as a “shadow war.”

Election authorities reported mostly peaceful voting conditions but acknowledged scattered delays due to machine malfunctions and logistical bottlenecks. Despite these issues, voter turnout was described as “steady” across key districts.

The Marcos-Duterte alliance, forged during the 2022 presidential election, had been seen as a cornerstone of political stability. However, recent months have witnessed a visible rift between the camps of the President and Vice President—an evolving dynamic that played out subtly during the midterm campaigning period.

Analysts say the outcome of the elections could redefine power balances ahead of the 2028 presidential race. Local contests and congressional races are expected to shape legislative momentum for the administration, while also serving as a testing ground for potential realignments within the ruling coalition.

No official results have been announced yet. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has urged patience as counting continues, assuring the public that all votes will be properly tallied despite technical setbacks.

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