A recent nationwide survey conducted from May 2 to 6, 2025, has revealed early favorites among potential senatorial candidates in the upcoming Philippine midterm elections. The study, organized by Social Weather Stations (SWS) and commissioned for research purposes, aimed to gauge public sentiment on senatorial preferences based on a revised ballot list provided by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
The survey sample included 1,800 registered Filipino voters across Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, all aged 18 and above. Respondents participated in private voting simulations using official-style ballots, selecting up to 12 candidates.
Senate Hopefuls: Leading the Pack
Topping the early senatorial choices is Erwin Tulfo (LAKAS), receiving the support of 45% of surveyed voters. He’s closely followed by Bong Go (PDPLBN) with 43%, while veteran politician Tito Sotto (NPC) ranked third with 37%.
Lito Lapid (NPC) and Ben Tulfo (IND) shared the fourth and fifth spots, each garnering 34%. Former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (IND) placed sixth with 32%, followed by tied candidates Abby Binay (NPC) and Bato Dela Rosa (PDPLBN), both at 31%.
Camille Villar and Pia Cayetano, both representing the Nacionalista Party (NP), secured joint ninth and tenth positions with 30% each. Completing the so-called “Magic 12” are Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (LAKAS) and Imee Marcos (NP), tied in 11th–12th place with 29% each.
Close Contenders and Notable Names
In the 13th to 15th spots, Manny Pacquiao (PFP), Willie Revillame (IND), and Benhur Abalos (PFP) are tied with 24%. Bam Aquino (KNP) followed in 16th place with 23%, trailed by Kiko Pangilinan (LP) at 21%.
Rodante Marcoleta (IND) secured 18th place (17%), while Phillip Salvador (PDPLBN) and Col. Bosita (IND) tied in 19th–20th (16% each). The remaining top 25 includes Francis Tolentino (15%), Gringo Honasan (14%), and Jimmy Bondoc (11%).
Single-Digit Supporters and Other Candidates
A considerable number of aspirants received support in the single-digit range, such as Vic Rodriguez, Raul Lambino, and Apollo Quiboloy, all tied with 8%, and Jayvee Hinlo at 6%. Several others, including activist leaders and independent candidates, registered between 1% to 5%.
Notably, votes for Doc Willie Ong (14%) and Wilbert Lee (1%) were considered stray as both had withdrawn their candidacies prior to the poll.
Survey Methodology
SWS employed in-person interviews for this survey, maintaining its long-established methodology for reliability and accuracy. The sampling error margin is ±2.31% nationally, with regional margins of ±5.66% for Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao, and ±3.27% for Balance Luzon.
Participants answered the question:
“If the elections were held today, who are the candidates you are most likely to vote for as Senator of the Philippines? You may choose up to twelve names by shading the oval next to your choices.”
The ballots were completed privately and submitted in sealed envelopes, simulating the confidentiality of an actual election.
Area-based estimates were adjusted according to COMELEC’s 2025 Project of Precincts to reflect voter distribution nationwide.