Vice President Sara Duterte Vows to Lead a Powerful Opposition Amid Election Results
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed disappointment on Monday evening over the partial results of the 2025 elections but assured her supporters that she remains committed to building a “powerful” opposition to hold the current administration accountable.
In a heartfelt statement, Duterte extended her gratitude to those who stood by her and the candidates she endorsed, despite the unexpected outcome.
“While the outcome was not what we had hoped for, our commitment to the people remains unwavering. We will continue to hold the government accountable, advocate for the issues that matter, and work tirelessly to serve as a strong and constructive opposition,” she declared.
The vice president outlined her vision for a future that is “fair and inclusive” and invited the public to unite in her mission to create a principled opposition against the current government.
“We invite all citizens—regardless of background or past affiliation—to join us in building a powerful and principled opposition,” Duterte emphasized.
As of 11:46 p.m., based on the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) partial and unofficial results, only three candidates from the PDP-Laban’s “DuterTEN” slate made it to the Magic 12: reelectionist Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, along with Sagip Party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta.
Two other endorsed candidates, Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar and Senator Imee Marcos, are currently on the cusp of victory, ranked 10th and 12th, respectively, in the ongoing tally.
Building Towards 2028
Political analysts suggest that Duterte’s statement is more than a response to the election results; it’s a declaration of her intent to solidify her position as a leader of the opposition, potentially setting the stage for a more robust campaign in the 2028 elections.
Her call for unity and inclusivity comes at a critical juncture, as the political landscape undergoes significant shifts. Duterte’s supporters, while momentarily disheartened, are expected to rally around her renewed commitment to public service and opposition leadership.
Duterte’s statement has sparked mixed reactions among political observers and citizens. Some laud her resilience and focus on accountability, while others view her announcement as a calculated move to sustain political relevance.
Regardless of the perspectives, Duterte’s vow to champion fairness, inclusivity, and accountability signals the beginning of a dynamic and potentially transformative era in Philippine politics.
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Vice President Sara Duterte Hails Midterm Election Results, Calls for Unity and Renewal
In a significant development following the 2025 midterm elections, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her gratitude and optimism as five of her endorsed senatorial candidates ranked in the Top 12 based on the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) partial and unofficial tally. The Vice President’s statement, released late Monday, reflects her unwavering resolve to champion a principled political opposition.
“I acknowledge the results of the election and express my deep gratitude to all the supporters who stood with us throughout this journey,” Duterte said. She added, “This is not the end—it’s a renewed beginning. We invite all citizens—regardless of background or past affiliation—to join us in building a powerful and principled opposition.”
The Vice President actively campaigned for ten senatorial candidates endorsed by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague. Additionally, she supported two adopted candidates, including presidential sister and re-electionist Senator Imee Marcos.
Key Allies Secure Strategic Senate Positions
Based on the initial vote count released by the Comelec as of 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, five of Duterte’s key allies are set to secure Senate seats for the 20th Congress—a critical outcome as the Vice President faces a looming impeachment trial.
Leading the pack is re-electionist Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, who garnered an impressive 21.7 million votes to secure first place. Fellow Duterte loyalist, Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, is at third place with 16.6 million votes, solidifying their renewed mandates.
SAGIP party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta, known for his staunch defense of the Duterte family during congressional hearings, surged to sixth place with over 12.2 million votes. His strong showing is attributed to support from the influential Iglesia ni Cristo group.
Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar, who initially ran under Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas before aligning with Duterte’s camp, earned over 11 million votes, securing the 10th spot. Senator Imee Marcos, the Vice President’s adopted candidate, is currently at the 12th spot with 10.7 million votes.
The results are derived from 80.50 percent of election returns processed, accounting for 46.19 million votes out of 69.7 million registered voters.
A Changing Political Landscape
While acknowledging the mixed outcomes, Vice President Duterte assured her followers of her continued commitment to their shared vision. “The results are not what we had hoped for,” she admitted, “but our resolve to serve and stand by our supporters remains unwavering.”
The 2025 midterm elections are poised to reshape the nation’s political dynamics, setting the stage for the 2028 presidential elections. Despite positioning herself as a leader of the opposition, Duterte’s allies’ strong Senate performance underscores her enduring influence in Philippine politics.
Observers view this year’s elections as a bellwether for the country’s political future, with Vice President Duterte emerging as a pivotal figure navigating the complex terrain of governance and opposition. Her ability to rally diverse factions and maintain a robust political network will be critical in shaping the nation’s direction in the years to come.
Vice President Sara Duterte Thanks Supporters Amid Early 2025 Midterm Election Results
In a statement released Monday evening, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her gratitude to supporters following the early results of the 2025 midterm elections. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) revealed that five of her endorsed senatorial candidates have made it into the Top 12 according to partial and unofficial counts.
“I acknowledge the results of the election and express my deep gratitude to all the supporters who stood with us throughout this journey,” Duterte said. While acknowledging the mixed outcomes, she reaffirmed her dedication to serving the Filipino people.
Despite the partial results showing a mix of victories and losses for her chosen candidates, Duterte emphasized her continued commitment to advocacy and governance. “We will continue to hold the government accountable, advocate for the issues that matter, and work tirelessly to serve as a strong and constructive opposition. This is not the end—it’s a renewed beginning. We invite all citizens—regardless of background or past affiliation—to join us in building a powerful and principled opposition. Together, we can shape a future that is fair, inclusive, and just. Stand with us,” she added.
The vice president’s campaign slate, dubbed “DuterTen,” included 10 senatorial candidates under the PDP Laban banner, along with two adopted candidates—presidential sister and re-electionist Senator Imee Marcos and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar. Duterte’s campaign also carried the endorsement of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who remains a controversial figure currently detained in The Hague.
As of Tuesday, May 13, at 8:00 p.m., Comelec’s media server reported that five of Duterte’s endorsed candidates are poised for Senate seats in the 20th Congress. Among the prominent names are re-electionist Senators Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, leading with 26.4 million votes, and Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, holding the third spot with 20.2 million votes. Additionally, Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, a member of the DuterTen, has defied expectations by securing the sixth spot despite earlier polls placing him as a long shot.
Duterte’s acknowledgment of the results and her call for unity in building a principled opposition marks a significant stance in the current political landscape. Her focus on accountability, inclusivity, and justice underscores a commitment to maintaining a dynamic and participative democracy, regardless of the election outcomes.