A restive volcano in central Philippines has briefly erupted, spewing a 2.8-mile ash plume and debris into the sky

Here’s what to know about the crucial midterms and the rival dynasties at the heart of the Southeast Asian nation’s politics.

Allies of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr looked set to win at least half of the available Senate seats in a midterm election on Monday, an unofficial tally showed, in a contest seen as a referendum on his leadership and a fierce proxy battle with his estranged vice president.

Eventual results could weaken president’s influence in Congress, undermine efforts to impeach his deputy and reshape 2028 presidential race.

Philippine organisation Pulse Asia Research denied releasing pre-election survey results for a couple of local races as the Southeast Asian nation held a crucial mid-term vote on May 12, 2025. Mistakes in the circulating images indicate they are inauthentic.

By Karen Lema, Mikhail Flores MANILA (Reuters) -Allies of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr were on course to win at least half of the available Senate seats in a midterm election on Monday, an unofficial tally showed,

Two liberal Philippine politicians have emerged as key players after a surprisingly strong performance in Senate elections, gaining support from a bloc of voters dissatisfied with rancor between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.