Marcos to focus on economic agenda to build legacy

Philippine president offers olive branch to Dutertes after suffering electoral setback

20250520 Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s slate of Senate candidates was expected to dominate in the midterm elections, but ended up securing only five of the 12 seats up for grabs. © Getty Images

RAMON ROYANDOYAN

MANILA -- Five days after he suffered a striking setback in the country's midterm elections, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. finally admitted that his candidates for the Senate could have "performed better."

"We all wish we had better results. But we live to fight another day," he said Saturday after the electoral commission announced the official results of the race for 12 Senate seats. Marcos' slate was expected to dominate but ended up securing only five of the seats.

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