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.

Philippine voters appear to have delivered a blow to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and a boost to the rival Duterte clan, whose members and allies outperformed expectations in Monday’s midterm elections.

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.