The last four months have been total chaos for the country as it gears up for the elections on Monday, May 12. And with the election period officially ending on June 11, so much could still happen.
As election day comes closer — and the results, hopefully, not too far behind — we take a look back at some of the craziest, messiest moments during the elections.
Rodrigo Duterte Jokes About Killing All Senators
On February 13, former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared at the proclamation rally of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) at Club Filipino, San Juan City to endorse its senate slate. Among the party’s senatorial candidates is SAGIP Partylist Representative Rodante Marcoleta, of whom Duterte said, “Kailangan natin sa senado.”
“Ngayon, marami kasi sila. Ano dapat ang gawin natin?” he said. “Edi patayin natin ‘yong mga senador ngayon para mabakante.”
Bong Revilla and DJ Love Team Up
After drawing flak for dancing to budots in his 2019 senatorial campaign ad, Senator Bong Revilla doubled down and returned with jeepneys and even more dancing.
The involvement of budots pioneer Sherwin Calumpang Tuna, a.k.a. DJ Love, only adds to the craziness. In 2019, Revilla used Tuna’s budots track without permission. In the March 2025 ad however, Tuna gave Revilla more than just permission to use his track; he gave the re-electionist his endorsement.
Local Candidates Making Sexist Remarks
This year, we saw a few too many candidates spouting misogynistic remarks. Pasig City congressional hopeful Christian “Ian” Sia was recently disqualified from the polls after he jokingly invited single mothers in his constituency to have sex with him in April.
“Ito ho ang ambag ko para sa mga solo parent ng Pasig,” said Sia. “Minsan, sa isang taon, ang mga solo parent na babae na nireregla pa at nalulungkot, pwedeng sumiping sa akin.”
Re-electionist Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia also came under fire in April for saying that only good-looking women can benefit from his nursing scholarship program. In Cebuano, he said, “Ugly women aren’t allowed because when men are already weak, and they’re faced with an unattractive nurse, what do you think will happen? Our sickness will only worsen.”
Rodrigo Duterte Arrested by the ICC
On March 11, Duterte was arrested by the Philippine National Police in Pasay City before being turned over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. He has been accused of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s war on drugs.
While what’s next for Duterte seems murky following his first pre-trial hearing, the arrest seemed to lead to more support for his ally, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who has consistently topped senatorial preference surveys since then.
As he awaits the confirmation of charges slated for September this year, Duterte remains in the race for the Davao City mayoralty, as candidates cannot be disqualified unless they have been convicted.
Imee Marcos Jumps Ship from Her Brother’s Alyansa
Following Duterte’s arrest, Senator Imee Marcos withdrew from Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the senate slate backed by her brother President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Clearly there were actions taken by the administration which run counter to my ideals and principles,” she said of the arrest, which she blames on the president. “Over and above political advantage, the sovereignty of the country and the interest of true justice for every Filipino must remain paramount.”
In April, she released a campaign ad featuring Vice President Sara Duterte, confirming a switch in alliances amid the feud between the Marcos and Duterte families.
Think you’re not ready for election day? Check out our guide for voter FAQs, dates to remember, and the latest updates.
