Philippines Faces Midterm Polls Amid Deep-Seated Discontent Over Leadership and Inequality

As the Philippines gears up for its midterm elections in May 2025, long queues of citizens registering to vote at satellite offices of the Commission of Elections, such as one observed at a mall in Manila on 30 September 2024, signal a nation eager to shape its future. Yet, beneath this democratic exercise lies a profound frustration with the country’s leadership and systemic inequalities, a sentiment that has been amplified by Filipinos’ experiences abroad and their comparisons with more developed societies.

The upcoming polls, which will determine key national and local positions, are not merely a procedural event but a critical juncture for a country grappling with deep-rooted issues of governance, infrastructure, and social equity. With voter registration already drawing significant crowds, the elections are poised to reflect whether Filipinos will demand a shift towards leaders with vision and integrity or continue down a path marked by disillusionment.

A Nation’s Frustration Laid Bare

For many Filipinos, the act of travelling abroad becomes a revelatory experience, exposing the stark contrasts between their homeland and more advanced nations. The indignities begin even before departure, with the cumbersome process of obtaining visas to visit developed countries. Unlike citizens of wealthier nations, Filipinos often face the presumption of intending to overstay as illegal immigrants, requiring them to prove financial stability or professional credentials to overturn such biases.

This sense of national stigma extends to interactions at foreign borders, where Filipino passport holders frequently endure additional scrutiny. Such experiences, coupled with observations of efficient public transportation, well-maintained urban spaces, and affordable living standards in other countries, fuel a growing awareness of the Philippines’ shortcomings. Public transport in developed nations, for instance, operates with precision and accessibility, serving even the affluent who choose it for its convenience. In contrast, the Philippines’ system, largely privatised, prioritises profit over public service, with government investments favouring roads and highways that primarily benefit the wealthy with private vehicles.

Urban planning further illustrates this disparity. While developed countries boast wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly cities, Filipino cities often lack functional walkways, obstructed by electric poles, vending stalls, and poorly planned infrastructure. Public spaces like parks and gardens, abundant and accessible in other nations, are scarce outside exclusive subdivisions in the Philippines. Local leaders, often viewing such amenities as the national government’s responsibility, have failed to prioritise community spaces, leaving citizens with limited areas for recreation and social interaction.

Environmental and economic contrasts are equally glaring. Rivers and lakes in developed countries are often clean and surrounded by valuable real estate, while in the Philippines, polluted waterways are associated with informal settlements of the poor. Food affordability, too, highlights inequality—while ordinary workers abroad can purchase quality groceries without strain, many Filipinos find similar items prohibitively expensive, consuming a significant portion of household budgets.

Leadership at the Heart of Discontent

At the core of these grievances lies a pervasive critique of leadership. Filipinos returning from abroad or reflecting on their nation’s status often point to a history of governance marked by misplaced priorities and, in some cases, corruption. The consequences of such leadership extend beyond financial losses to public funds; they manifest in the absence of public goods—be it reliable transport, accessible green spaces, or equitable economic opportunities—that are desperately needed to elevate the quality of life.

The frustration is not new, but it gains urgency with each electoral cycle. The midterm elections of 2025 offer a chance to address these systemic issues by electing leaders who prioritise public welfare over personal or corporate gain. Yet, there is scepticism about whether this opportunity will be seized. Past elections have seen candidates derided as “comedians, fraudsters, and pillagers” rise to power, perpetuating cycles of disillusionment among the electorate.

The Midterm Elections: A Crossroads for Change

With the midterm polls approaching, the stakes are high. These elections will not only shape local governance but also influence the national political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential race. The long queues at voter registration centres, such as the one in Manila last September, suggest a populace motivated to participate, perhaps driven by the hope of change or the frustration of enduring the status quo.

Analysts suggest that the key issues—inequality, infrastructure, and governance—could dominate campaign narratives. However, there remains uncertainty about whether candidates will offer substantive policy solutions or rely on populist rhetoric. If historical patterns hold, there is a risk that charisma and empty promises may overshadow the need for principled leadership with a clear vision for reform. Such an outcome could further entrench the systemic issues that Filipinos lament when comparing their nation to others.

Moreover, the elections occur against a backdrop of global scrutiny. The Philippines’ international image, already marred by perceptions of poverty and instability, could be influenced by how these polls unfold. A transparent and fair electoral process might bolster confidence in the country’s democratic institutions, while allegations of irregularities or violence—common in past elections—could reinforce negative stereotypes.

Voices from the Ground

The sentiment among ordinary Filipinos is palpable. While direct quotes from citizens were not available at the time of reporting, social media platforms and public commentary reflect a mix of hope and cynicism. Many express a desire for leaders who can deliver tangible improvements—better transport, cleaner cities, and economic fairness—while others doubt the political system’s capacity to produce such change.

Government officials, for their part, have urged citizens to participate in the electoral process. The Commission of Elections has expanded satellite registration centres to accommodate the surge in voter interest, a move seen as a positive step towards inclusivity. Yet, without addressing the deeper grievances about leadership and inequality, such measures risk being perceived as superficial.

The Philippines Needs Visionary Governance

As the Philippines stands at this electoral crossroads, the question remains: will the 2025 midterm polls mark a turning point towards a more equitable and well-governed nation, or will they perpetuate the cycle of frustration and missed opportunities? The contrasts drawn from international comparisons serve as both a critique and a call to action for Filipino voters and leaders alike.

The challenges are immense, spanning urban planning, environmental management, economic policy, and social equity. Addressing them requires not just political will but a fundamental shift in how public office is perceived—not as a means of personal enrichment, but as a platform for public service. If the upcoming elections can usher in leaders with such a mindset, there is potential for the Philippines to begin closing the gap between its current reality and the developed societies its citizens admire.

For now, the long queues at voter registration centres are a symbol of both democratic engagement and simmering discontent. How this energy translates into votes—and ultimately, into governance—will define the Philippines’ trajectory in the years to come. As Filipinos prepare to cast their ballots, the hope for a leadership that prioritises the public good over private gain remains a powerful, if uncertain, aspiration.