Official results from the Philippines Election Commission shows key allies of detained former President Rodrigo Duterte and two liberal opposition candidates are among top winners in the nation's midterm Senate race.

Two liberal Philippine politicians have emerged as key players after a surprisingly strong performance in Senate elections, gaining support from a bloc of voters dissatisfied with rancor between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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,