The 2025 midterm elections saw unexpected victories as former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, along with several independents and progressive candidates, outperformed pre-election surveys.
Pulse Asia’s final survey underestimated candidates like Heidi Mendoza, who garnered nearly 10 percentage points more votes than projected.
Experts attribute these surprises to shifts in media consumption, with younger voters relying more on digital platforms and social media followings.
The election was more issue-driven, favoring candidates with credible public service records and strong grassroots campaigns over traditional political machinery.
While the results signal opportunities for new leaders, experts warn that longstanding barriers like vote-buying and political dynasties persist, tempering hopes of a sweeping political change.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 27, 2025
