By Chyrel Macale Cariaga
Broadcast Journalist
The political shape in this country is undergoing a significant transformation as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appears to be losing his grip on the Senate. Recent developments reveal a shift in power dynamics, with allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte and various non-Marcos factions securing key committee chairmanships.My article explores the implications of this political shake-up and how it could affect Marcos’s administration.
The May 2025 Midterm Elections kicks a pivotal shift for the Philippine Senate, reshaping its balance of power. Marcos’s coalition, Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas, achieved only six out of twelve contested seats—far below expectations. In contrary, candidates aligned with Vice President Sara Duterte and members of the revived Liberal opposition made substantial gains. This win suggest an ongoing rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps, undermining their previous alliance.
As the 20th Congress commenced on July 28, 2025, competition for Senate leadership emerged as a proxy battle between these factions. Incumbent Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero retained his position with bipartisan support that included Duterte loyalists and independents. Meanwhile, former allies like Miguel “Migz” Zubiri found themselves on the minority side after siding against Escudero’s leadership bid, signaling that Marcos could no longer rely on a compliant majority.
The allocation of Senate committees further pushes Marcos diminishing influence. During the first plenary session, new committee chairs were elected en masse without objections—most notably appointing Rodante Marcoleta from the Duterte-aligned faction to lead the Blue Ribbon Committee. This powerful panel is tasked with investigating government wrongdoing and corruption, potentially subjecting Marcos’s administration to rigorous scrutiny under Marcoleta’s leadership.
These developments signify a critical juncture for President Bongbong Marcos as he navigates a fractured political core dominated by Duterte loyalists and independent senators. The emerging coalition poses challenges that could hinder his administration’s agenda and calls into question his ability to maintain control over legislative processes moving forward.Stale Mate Mr.President.
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