The May 2025 election will be a litmus test of Marcos' popularity and a chance to consolidate power and groom a successor, which the influential Duterte family has signalled it is determined to stop after an acrimonious falling out. Philippine presidents are limited to a single, six-year term.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his two sons could seek roles in the Senate as the family fights for political influence in the 2025 midterm elections, amid a widening rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Philippines held a joint patrol in the South China Sea that included forces from Japan, Australia, the U.S. and New Zealand on Saturday. The joint patrol was the fourth multilateral maritime cooperative activity held to date.

The Philippines says it detected no Chinese military exercise in the indicated area, and that Beijing fabricated the event for a domestic audience.