Philippines 2025 Midterms: Foreign Policy and Voter Sentiment

Baasma Wafa  Jadetimes Staff

B. Wafa is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Daniel Ceng/ ANADOLU/ Anadoluvia AFP

The Philippines' midterm elections in 2025 have been greatly shaped by foreign policy, especially regarding China's behavior in the South China Sea. According to a recent Pulse Asia survey, 73% of Filipinos would not vote for pro-China candidates as they express concern about national sovereignty and security. This is particularly evident in areas such as Metro Manila and the Visayas, where resistance to pro-China candidates is significantly high.

Those who support a strong stand against China's intrusions into Philippine waters have received wide support. About 78% of the respondents support candidates who stand firm on the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea, showing a strong inclination towards leaders who stand for national interests rather than foreign relations.

The political clout of the Duterte family continues to play a major role in the elections. Former President Rodrigo Duterte, in jail in The Hague, obtained a resounding lead in the election for mayor of Davao City, demonstrating his standing popularity. His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, was also a game-changer in the elections, and her political fate remained closely linked with the election results. The Duterte family position on foreign policy, especially their earlier pro-China stance, was a focus of public debate, and such affected the voters' choices.

As election results are unveiled, the Philippines' foreign relations approach, particularly towards China, will be a top issue. How the people respond to candidates' foreign policy stance will help chart the country's diplomatic and security policies over the next several years.