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Banyuhay Podcast: Change, one conversation at a time A Podcast for Political Awakening and Transformation in the Philippines

The word “banyuhay,” signifies revival and transformation, therefore, it is a platform for critical discourse and encourages discussions of “change” within the Philippine political landscape.  Challenging the prevailing notion of a static and immutable political system, this podcast endeavors to catalyze transformation by offering fresh perspectives on pressing issues and fostering meaningful dialogue.

“Banyuhay” seeks to transcend the limitations of conventional political analysis, look into the complexities of the Philippine political system with intellectual rigor and insightful commentary. Each episode is curated to challenge the status quo, provoke thoughtful engagement, and inspire action, ultimately contributing to the realization of a more equitable and responsive political system for all Filipinos.

Season 2: “Election Insights: The 2025 Philippine Midterm Elections”
A Five-Part Podcast Series examining key issues in the 2025 midterm elections

“Election Insights” is the second iteration of the Banyuhay podcast series. This five-episode podcast is in partnership with UP sa Halalan, a project of the UPD Department of Political Science and DZUP that examines key issues in the 2025 midterm elections. As Philippine politics undergoes dramatic transformation, Banyuhay Season 2 aims to provide essential discussion of the socio-economic and political trends surrounding the aftermath of the 2025 Philippine midterm elections and the dynamics shaping the country’s trajectory toward the 2028 national elections. The podcast will explore the following topics:

    • Elections, the Youth, and Their Use of Social Media
      The episode explores the pivotal role of youth voters in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, with particular emphasis on their digital political engagement patterns. The episode analyzes how social media platforms have transformed into arenas of political discourse, mobilization, and civic participation among young Filipinos. Drawing from recent studies on digital citizenship, the discussion contextualizes the phenomenon within broader democratic processes in the Philippines. As highlighted in an Inquirer news article, youth voters represent a significant demographic that could determine electoral outcomes[1]. This episode also aims to address the larger concerns about misinformation targeting young voters and may examine COMELEC’s initiatives to enhance youth participation through digital literacy campaigns.
    • Disinformation, AI and Fact-Checking in Elections
      The episode centers on disinformation mechanisms and electoral integrity during the 2025 Philippine midterm elections. The discussion will examine the fundamentals of disinformation and how to possibly counter these activities. The episode also aims to explore the methodological approaches to AI-driven fact-checking, algorithmic detection of disinformation, and the ethical implications of automated content moderation in a democratic context. Special attention is given to COMELEC’s recent directive requiring election pollsters to register with the commission[2], and the establishment of the Philippine Disinformation Hub[3] ahead of the elections.
    • The Economy During Elections
      Recent reports from Philippine media outlets have highlighted voter concerns about inflation and economic management as key electoral issues. As addressing bread-and-butter issues will be crucial for candidates seeking to win voter support4, this episode aims to provide an in-depth economic perspective of electoral cycles and their impact on the Philippine economy. The discussion examines how campaign spending, policy uncertainty, and political issues influence macroeconomic indicators during the 2025 midterm elections. The episode also explores the economic implications of political dynasties’ continued dominance and their activities in Philippine politics.
    • Midterm Election Assessment
      The episode presents a post-election analysis on the procedural integrity, participatory dynamics, and democratic outcomes of the 2025 midterm elections. The discussion evaluates COMELEC’s implementation of new voting technologies, including the internet voting system for overseas Filipinos that was introduced for the first time in this election cycle[5]. The episode also examines voter turnout patterns, electoral dispute resolution mechanisms, and the effectiveness of international and domestic election monitoring efforts in ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
    • Legislative Prospects and Leadership Directions Post-Elections
      With the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court, it significantly raised the stakes in the elections, intensifying the rivalry between the Duterte and Marcos families[6]. This final episode offers an examination of the post-election legislative landscape and governance trajectories amidst political infighting. The discussion analyzes the possible composition of the 20th Congress and its implications for policy formulation, executive-legislative relations, and democratic consolidation or bifurcation in the Philippines. The episode also explores how current political dynamics will shape legislative priorities and governance approaches in the lead-up to the President’s State of the Nation Address.

[1] Asiones, Noel. “Empowering Our Youth: The Road to the 2025 Midterm Elections.” Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2025. https://opinion.inquirer.net/181842/empowering-our-youth-the-road-to-the-2025-midterm-elections.

[2] Patinio, Ferdinand. “Comelec requires registration of poll survey firms”. Philippine News Agency. Accessed March 2025. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1244574.

[3] Sigla Research. “Philippine Disinformation Hub.” Sigla Research. Accessed March 2025. https://siglaresearch.org/ph-disinfo-hub/.

[4] South China Morning Post. “Philippine Midterms: Voter Anger over Cuts, Duterte’s Arrest Threaten Marcos’ Senate Slate.” South China Morning Post, March 19, 2025. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3302890/philippine-midterms-voter-anger-over-cuts-dutertes-arrest-threaten-marcos-senate-slate.

[5] OWWA Member.com. “Online Voting and Counting System.” OWWA Member. Accessed March 2025. https://owwamember.com/online-voting-and-counting-system/.

[6] The Straits Times. “Duterte Arrest Raises Stakes in Clash for Control of the Philippines.” The Straits Times. Accessed March 2025. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/duterte-arrest-raises-stakes-in-clash-for-control-of-the-philippines.