MANILA: Voters dealt President Ferdinand Marcos Jr a stinging blow in the Philippines' midterm elections that weakened his grip on the Senate, while boosting Vice-President Sara Duterte's allies just weeks before an impeachment trial against his deputy.

Early results have begun to arrive in the Philippines' midterm elections, which have been dominated by a long-running feud between its two biggest political dynasties The senate races pit candidates backed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr against those supported by Vice-President Sara Duterte,

Voting was underway in the Philippines on Monday for a normally low-key midterm election that is showcasing an emotionally charged proxy battle between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and ally-turned-foe,