MANILA – Eight senatorial candidates backed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. have made it to the top 12 in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on voter preferences for the May 12 midterm elections.
The survey, commissioned by Stratbase Consultancy and conducted from February 15 to 19, showed ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo (Lakas) in the top spot with 45 percent voter support.
Senator Lito Lapid (Nationalist People’s Coalition), also part of the administration-aligned Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, placed third with 36 percent.
Other administration-supported candidates in the probable winning circle include former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (NPC) with 34 percent, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (Lakas) with 33 percent, Senator Pia Cayetano (Nacionalista Party) with 33 percent, former Senator Panfilo Lacson (independent) with 32 percent, Makati Mayor Abby Binay (NPC) with 30 percent, and former Senator Manny Pacquiao (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) with 30 percent.
Sotto, Revilla, Cayetano, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, journalist Ben Tulfo, and Lacson secured spots from fourth to ninth place.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao, Binay, and television host Willie Revillame (independent) completed the top 12 with 30 percent voter support each.
Deputy Speaker Camille Villar (NP), also an Alyansa candidate, trailed closely in 13th place with 29 percent.
Other Alyansa candidates, including Senator Imee Marcos (NP, 24 percent), former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos (PFP, 17 percent), and Senator Francis Tolentino (PFP, 15 percent), ranked outside the top 12.
Meanwhile, senatorial candidates in the top 12 who are not part of the administration slate include Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go (PDP-Laban) with 38 percent, Ben Tulfo (independent) with 34 percent, and Dela Rosa (PDP-Laban) with 32 percent.
The SWS survey used a ballot-style questionnaire and was based on the revised list of 66 candidates released by the Commission on Elections. Respondents were asked to shade up to 12 names in a private voting process.
Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco, campaign manager of Alyansa, highlighted the overwhelming reception of the slate during its recent campaign stops in key regions, including Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Iloilo City; Carmen, Davao del Norte; Pasay City, Metro Manila; Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; and Victorias City in Negros Occidental.
“Filipinos are showing their trust in Alyansa and President Bongbong Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas agenda,” he said in a news release on Tuesday.
“Everywhere we go, the enthusiasm is undeniable. People want leaders who will ensure continuity, stability, and meaningful reforms,” he added.
Tiangco said that voters attending the rallies were seen listening intently to the candidates’ platforms, which focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare improvements.
“As we move forward with our campaign, we remain committed to directly connecting with Filipinos, ensuring they understand our candidates’ vision for a stronger nation,” he said
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