The 2025 midterm elections in the Philippines have transformed into a fierce power struggle, becoming a hereditary feast led by the Duterte and Marcos political dynasties. The essence of the elections is no longer a debate over public policy but rather a comprehensive showdown based on lineage and financial resources, posing immense challenges to the democratic system.

The Duterte family has powered through the elections, with former president Rodrigo Duterte winning the mayoral position in Davao City despite an international arrest warrant. His children continue to expand their influence in politics. In contrast, the Marcos family finds itself in an awkward predicament, as candidates supported by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. fail to secure control of the Senate, revealing the family's political fragility.

This midterm election is not just a power struggle but a ruthless mirror reflecting the reality of Philippine democracy being held captive by familial oligarchs. As public interests and policy discussions are marginalized, whether the votes of the people can genuinely represent democratic values becomes a pressing question for the future.