Philippine Midterm Elections 2024: Duterte's Unexpected Victory Over Marcos

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Duterte's Enduring Political Influence

The "Duterte Legacy" and its Appeal

Despite numerous controversies surrounding his presidency, Rodrigo Duterte's policies resonated deeply with a significant portion of the Filipino electorate. This "Duterte Legacy," as it's often referred to, played a crucial role in the success of his political allies in the Philippine Midterm Elections 2024. His strongman leadership style, while controversial, appealed to voters seeking decisive action and a strong hand on the country's issues.

• Strongman Leadership: Duterte's image as a decisive leader, unafraid to take on powerful interests, resonated with many voters.
• "War on Drugs": Despite widespread human rights concerns, the "war on drugs" campaign remained a significant talking point, with supporters crediting it with reducing crime rates in certain areas.
• Infrastructure Projects (Build, Build, Build): The ambitious infrastructure program, while facing criticisms regarding its implementation, generated visible improvements in some regions, contributing to a sense of progress.
• Populist Appeal: Duterte's direct and often informal communication style, coupled with his focus on issues affecting the common Filipino, created a strong connection with many voters.

According to unofficial exit polls (and further research is needed to confirm these figures with official election results), a significant percentage of voters in lower socioeconomic brackets supported candidates aligned with Duterte's platform. This demographic provided substantial support, indicating a strong connection between Duterte's populist message and the concerns of a large segment of the population.

Strategic Alliances and Campaigning

Duterte's political machine proved highly effective in supporting his chosen candidates in the Philippine Midterm Elections 2024. This involved a multifaceted approach encompassing endorsements, strategic campaigning, and efficient resource mobilization.

• Endorsements: Duterte's public endorsements carried significant weight, boosting the profiles of his chosen candidates.
• Campaign Strategies: The campaigns of Duterte's allies mirrored his populist approach, focusing on direct engagement with communities and leveraging local networks.
• Resource Mobilization: Access to substantial financial and organizational resources played a crucial role in the success of Duterte-aligned candidates.
• Use of Social Media: Social media played a vital role in disseminating the campaign messages and shaping public perceptions.
• Local Political Bosses: The enduring influence of local political bosses and their networks in mobilizing support at the grassroots level proved invaluable in securing victories in regional elections.

Weakness in the Marcos Campaign

Failure to Connect with Voters

Despite the historical prominence of the Marcos family, their campaign in the Philippine Midterm Elections 2024 faced challenges in effectively connecting with the broader electorate.

• Lack of a Clear Vision: Critics argued that the Marcos campaign lacked a cohesive and compelling vision for the future of the Philippines.
• Insufficient Engagement with the Public: Compared to the grassroots approach of Duterte's allies, the Marcos campaign was perceived by some as distant and less engaged with the concerns of ordinary Filipinos.
• Perceived Elitism: The Marcos family's image as belonging to the political elite may have alienated some voters seeking change and representation.
• Handling of Historical Baggage: The legacy of the Marcos dictatorship and unresolved issues surrounding human rights abuses and ill-gotten wealth continued to cast a shadow over the campaign, influencing public perception.

Several instances of campaign missteps and negative media coverage further contributed to hindering their campaign and public support.

Internal Divisions within the Marcos Camp

Reports and anecdotal evidence suggested potential internal divisions and conflicts within the Marcos political machinery, potentially hindering their overall effectiveness.

• Factionalism: Different factions within the Marcos political network may have competed for influence and resources, diverting attention and energy from the overall campaign effort.
• Conflicting Interests within the Family: Potential disagreements on campaign strategies and resource allocation among members of the Marcos family might have weakened their collective effort.

Further investigations into internal dynamics within the Marcos camp are needed to fully understand this aspect.

Shifting Voter Preferences and Emerging Political Trends

The Role of Social Media and Disinformation

The Philippine Midterm Elections 2024 saw the pervasive use of social media, both as a tool for political engagement and a source of misinformation.

• Propaganda: Targeted social media campaigns disseminated pro-Duterte and anti-Marcos messages.
• Fake News: The spread of fake news and disinformation significantly impacted public perception and influenced voter choices.
• Manipulation of Public Opinion: Sophisticated techniques were employed to manipulate public opinion through social media.
• Influence of Social Media Influencers: Key opinion leaders and social media influencers played a significant role in shaping the online narrative.

Studies analyzing the spread of misinformation during the election highlight the increasing need for media literacy and critical thinking skills.

Economic Concerns and Grassroots Support

Economic concerns played a significant role in shaping voter preferences in the Philippine Midterm Elections 2024.

• Poverty: Poverty and inequality continue to be pressing issues in the Philippines, influencing voters' choices.
• Unemployment: High unemployment rates contributed to widespread economic anxiety among the population.
• Rising Cost of Living: The rising cost of essential goods and services added to the economic hardship faced by many Filipinos.
• Regional Disparities: Significant economic disparities between regions influenced voting patterns at the local level.
• Importance of Local Issues: Grassroots support, fueled by local concerns, played a key role in determining the outcome of many regional races.

Public opinion polls conducted before the election indicated that economic concerns, particularly the rising cost of living and job security, were among the top priorities for Filipino voters.

Conclusion

The 2024 Philippine midterm elections showcased the unexpected resilience of Duterte's political influence, effectively countering the anticipated Marcos resurgence. The results highlight the complex interplay of factors including Duterte's enduring popularity, strategic campaigning, weaknesses in the Marcos campaign, the influence of social media, and prevailing economic concerns. Understanding these factors is crucial for analyzing the future trajectory of Philippine politics. Further research into the specific regional variations in voting patterns and the long-term implications of this election is essential to fully comprehend the significance of the Philippine Midterm Elections 2024. To stay informed about upcoming political developments, continue following news and analyses related to the Philippine Midterm Elections 2024 and its lasting effects.