The Philippines’ 2025 midterm election could have marked a moment of reckoning for the decades-old populist Duterte dynasty. Its patriarch, 80-year-old former President Rodrigo, had been arrested by the International Criminal Court in March for alleged crimes against humanity.

Candidates linked to Philippine ex-leader Rodrigo Duterte appear to have won election victories, including Duterte himself, despite him being detained for alleged crimes against humanity.

A Philippine midterm election may have leaned in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's favour but the stronger-than-expected showing for estranged vice president and bitter rival Sara Duterte may have given him a jolt,