May 12 elections: A wake-up call to BBM and an audience for progressive thoughts
A quick glance at the results of the Philippines’ May 12 mid-term elections shows initial signs that the Filipino electorate has started repudiating movie stars and game show hosts, political dynasties, deadwood, and those suspected of plunder and corruption. The formula of name recall, political machinery and using public money to win elections, or whatever else drives survey after survey, does not seem to hold much water any more, or at least is no longer as predictive.
Without a doubt, this mid-term senatorial election is a numbers game, but much more so when the new Senate convenes, organizes itself and prepares for the possible impeachment of Vice-President Sara Duterte for alleged culpable violation of the Philippine Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other so-called "high crimes". Based on Senate President Chiz Escudero’s pronouncement, Sara’s impeachment could start by end-July 2025.
Moving forward, one possible scenario could materialize. If the Vice President, as well as winning candidates Senators Go and de la Rosa, are arrested by the ICC, having been impleaded at the Hague, the impeachment could still proceed and oust her. If the Senate rules allow remote testimony and hearing, a conviction would disqualify her from running for the presidency in 2028. In her absence and that of the former president, it would be difficult to muster the same level of support in the Senate and push back a conviction. The May 12 midterm elections affirms the public’s growing demand for accountability.
Meanwhile, President BBM will have to outdo himself and focus more on building a legacy of good economic, political and social governance by pursuing strategic policy and structural reforms in order to invest the Philippine economy with greater potential and resiliency. Rooting out corruption in public offices is a must in order to assure the Filipino electorate that his candidates in 2028 are worth voting for. Otherwise, the President can kiss goodbye his desire to rewrite history and absolve the Marcos family of various charges of plunder and mismanagement.
For the progressive segment of the population, it is clear that the election results continue to favor political dynasties, political machinery, and political myths. But some breakthroughs have become more evident, and progressive thoughts have an audience. The progressives have three years from now to build a political machinery, widen their network, and deepen their roots. It is this kind of spirit that wins, rather than loses, electoral exercises.
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