Allies of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte are outperforming in the early count for the Senate election, an unexpected setback for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that boosts his deputy’s chances of surviving an upcoming impeachment trial and remaining eligible to run for the presidency in 2028.

A bitter feud between political dynasties is playing out at the ballot box, with the Senate’s make-up set to decide the vice-president’s future.

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.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces international court charges of crimes against humanity, remains very popular at home.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, detained in The Hague and charged with crimes against humanity, is on the ballot in Monday's midterm elections.

Even though he is detained in The Hague, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is among the candidates vying for some 18,000 national and local seats in Monday’s midterm elections