Time to set politics aside — Marcos

Metro Manila, Philippines - Just after the 12 winning senators from the 2025 midterm elections were proclaimed, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged officials and the public to “move forward” and “set politics aside.”

Speaking at a media event on Saturday, May 17, Marcos admitted that he had hoped for a better performance in the polls for the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate.

“We all wished we had better results but we need to fight to live for another day,” he said. “And now it’s time, I think, to put all the politics aside. It’s time to put all the issues raised during the elections.”

This remark comes as the incoming 20th Congress prepares for the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The 12 new senators are also set to stand as judges for the process.

The administration has since distanced itself from the impeachment issue, insisting that Mr. Marcos had no hand in the matter.

In the final three years of his term, the president said his administration will prioritize education, agriculture, and lowering food prices.