On 21 September, tens of thousands of Filipinos protested the misappropriation of funds meant for flood relief projects, marking the largest anti-graft demonstration to take place since the 2013 ‘Million People March.’ The youth-led protests came after weeks of deadly flooding and follow a series of allegations that numerous lawmakers have received kickbacks from flood-relief projects in recent years. President Ferdinand Marcos established an independent commission to investigate the flood-control projects, while a Senate committee is conducting its own inquiry. While protests remained largely peaceful, some incidents of violence occurred, resulting in the use of tear gas and water cannons against protesters. According to media reports, more than 200 people–including some minors–were arrested, accused of stone throwing and arson. Rights experts have urged the government to conduct a probe into allegations of excessive force used against protesters.

Sources: The New York Times, Al Jazeera, Amnesty International, Rappler

On 12 May, the Philippines held national and local midterm elections, with over 18,000 elective seats available, including local officials, 317 parliamentary representatives and 12 Senate seats. According to preliminary results, the Marcos administration retained its majority in the House of Representatives, securing approximately 104 seats out of 317. In the Senate, however, the Marcos administration secured only 6 out of 12 seats, giving it a slim majority, with opposition allies gaining more seats than anticipated (at least 5). Political analysts note this may affect Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. The Commission on Elections (COMLEC) reported a record midterm poll voter turnout at 82.2 per cent, up from 75.9 per cent in the 2019. This does not account for overseas voters, where turnout rates were slightly lower than the 2019 overseas voter turnout despite the implementation of online voting. Election observers noted that while COMLEC administered the elections effectively, challenges persist related to vote buying, abuse of state resources and occasional instances of violence at the local level. 

Sources: CSIS, BBC News, ANFREL, Rappler, COMLEC, International IDEA, Congress of the Philippines

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reported a record voter turnout of 82.2 per cent for the midterm elections, an increase from 75.9 per cent in 2019. This marks the highest turnout rate in the history of the country's midterm elections. Historically, midterm elections have seen lower turnout rates compared to presidential elections, which had a turnout of approximately 83.0 per cent in 2022. Political analysts attribute the increase in voter turnout to a significant rise in youth voters, along with initiatives implemented by COMELEC to enhance voter engagement.

Sources: Rappler, Manilla Bulletin, International IDEA

Ahead of the May 2025 midterm election, the Commission on Elections (COMLEC) introduced an online voting system to assist Filipinos living and working overseas. Previously, overseas voting was limited to in-person participation at designated embassies, consulates or mailing ballots. As of 14 April, over 77 Online Voting and Counting System hubs were activated, which will remain open until the 12 May election. According to COMLEC, this new system aims to increase accessibility and address the low turnout rates of oversees voters in previous elections, potentially benefiting approximately 1.2 million voters abroad. 

Sources: Inquirer, COMLEC, Rappler

On 11 March, authorities in the Philippines acting on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila. Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity related to the extrajudicial killings that occurred during his ‘war on drugs’ campaign between 2011 and 2019. Human rights experts have welcomed the arrest as a landmark step toward justice and in addressing the impunity surrounding drug-related killings. The ICC is scheduled to hold a confirmation of charges hearing on 23 September2025. Although Duterte had withdrawn the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, the ICC asserts that it still holds jurisdiction over crimes committed in the country before the withdrawal. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippines was fulfilling its legal obligations by cooperating, emphasizing that "this is what the international community expects of us."

Sources: Human Rights Watch, Rappler, BBC News, International Criminal Court