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.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, commonly known by his nickname Bongbong, has been gearing up for a battle that could decide his political future. Monday's midterm elections are, in effect, a showdown between Marcos and his Vice-President Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Allies of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte are outperforming in the early count for the Senate elections, boosting her chances of surviving an upcoming impeachment trial and remaining eligible to run for the presidency in 2028.