THE Philippines is bracing for one of the largest and most consequential elections in its history, as more than 68.6 million registered voters prepare to cast their ballots on Monday, May 12, 2025, to fill over 18,000 national and local government posts.

The 2025 midterm polls come at a politically turbulent time marked by deepening fissures between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration and remnants of the Duterte political bloc.

Observers say the results of Monday's elections could reshape legislative dynamics and influence the trajectory of the remaining years of Marcos' presidency.

According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the total number of registered voters now stands at over 68.6 million, with women slightly outnumbering men.

Filipinos will vote to fill more than 18,320 elective positions across all levels of government, ranging from national seats to local government positions.

These elections are set to be one of the largest in Philippine history, involving elections for 12 Senate seats, all 317 seats in the House of Representatives (63 party-list representatives, 254 district representatives), and over 18,000 positions within local government units, from governors down to municipal councilors.

The Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive, with 66 candidates vying for 12 seats. This includes returning politicians, celebrities and civil society leaders, many of whom are running on platforms focused on issues like inflation, agricultural reform and human rights.

Political analysts suggest that the results could act as a referendum on the current administration's handling of key issues, from economic recovery to post-pandemic challenges.

This race is especially significant because the Senate holds considerable power, including control over fiscal policies, key appointments and investigations.

The outcome could either solidify the Marcos administration's legislative influence or lead to a realignment in the Senate, depending on whether opposition candidates or Duterte allies secure seats.

Alongside the Senate, the House of Representatives is a critical battleground. All 317 seats will be contested, with candidates running in both district-based elections and through the party-list system.

The poll body certified 156 party-list candidates in October 2024, making it a highly competitive field, particularly for the party-list seats, which aim to represent marginalized sectors of society.

These elections will determine not only the legislative agenda but also influence how the Marcos administration pushes forward its policies.

The House of Representatives is expected to be a focal point for major national issues such as infrastructure development, disaster response and education reforms.

A win for administration-backed candidates could pave the way for sweeping changes, while a strong showing from opposition candidates might challenge the current political order.

At the local level, the elections will decide the fate of thousands of local government officials, including governors, vice governors, mayors and councilors across the country. The scale of these elections is staggering, with races for posts in cities, municipalities and provinces.

The outcomes will influence critical decisions that affect people's daily lives, from local economic policies to public health responses.

In areas that have seen conflict or political instability, the local elections could also be pivotal in ensuring peace and order.

While these positions may seem less glamorous compared to the national races, they hold significant power, especially in the areas of budget allocation, local development and disaster management.