President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the nation Saturday following the 2025 midterm elections, acknowledging mixed results while urging a shift towards national development.

Election outcome: A Mixed Bag

Speaking at the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ thanksgiving dinner in Mandaluyong City, hours after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) finalized the senatorial roster, Mr. Marcos reflected on the election’s complexities. We all wish we had better results, but, you know, we live to fight another day, he stated, acknowledging the political landscape.

Key Victories for the Governance

Of the 12 newly elected senators, six were endorsed by mr. Marcos under the Alyansa coalition. These include:

• Sen. Erwin Tulfo
• Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson
• Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III
• Sen. Pia Cayetano
• Sen.Camille Villar
• Sen. Lito Lapid

Family and Factions: Shifting Alliances

The President’s sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, initially part of the administration slate, was later dropped. This followed her launching of a probe into the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) inquiry of former President Rodrigo Duterte concerning his war on drugs. This highlights the complex dynamics within Philippine politics.

duterte’s Endorsement Holds Sway

Despite the shifting alliances, allies of former President Duterte also secured seats in the Senate:

• Sen. Bong go
• Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa
• Sen. Rodante Marcoleta

Opposition Voices

Completing the senatorial lineup are Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, representing voices from across the political spectrum.

Call for Unity and Focus on Development

With the elections concluded, Mr. Marcos emphasized the need to move beyond political divisions. But now it’s time, I think, to put all the politics aside. It’s time to put all of the issues that we raised during the election [aside] and only talk about not political issues but developmental issues, healthcare issues, education issues, agricultural issues, supply issues, all of these things, the President urged.