Mc Richard Paglicawan
Sen. Robin Padilla emerged as the top choice in Pulse Asia Research Inc.’s latest survey on preferred senatorial candidates for the 2028 national elections, narrowly leading Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.
According to Pulse Asia’s ‘Ulat ng Bayan’ survey released on July 22, Padilla received a 48.4% voter preference rating, placing him within the 1st to 2nd ranking bracket. Sotto followed closely with 47.9%, corresponding to a 1st to 3rd place ranking.
The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews from June 28 to July 3 and July 6, 2026, involving 2,400 Filipino adults aged 18 and above nationwide. It has a ±2% margin of error at the 95% confidence level.
Pulse Asia said that of the 53 personalities included in the survey, 17 have a statistical chance of winning if the 2028 senatorial elections were held during the survey period. Most of those identified are incumbent or former lawmakers.
Rounding out the top five were Sen. Raffy Tulfo with 43.9% (2nd–5th), Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano with 43.2% (3rd–5th), and Sen. Loren Legarda with 40.3% (3rd–5th).
Also included among the personalities with statistical chances of winning were former Sen. Manny Pacquiao (35.6%), Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay (32.4%), Education Secretary Sonny Angara (27.2%), Sen. Mark Villar (26.1%), Ben Tulfo (20.7%), Sen. Jinggoy Estrada (19.5%), Willie Revillame (19.0%), Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero (17.2%), former AnaKalusugan Party-list Rep. Michael Defensor (17.1%), former Sen. Mar Roxas (17.1%), Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. (17.0%), and TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid (16.9%).
The survey also found that 89% of Filipinos are interested in the May 2028 elections. However, only 19% of respondents said they already have a complete slate or expressed support for 12 possible senatorial candidates.
Pulse Asia noted that the survey results reflect voter preferences during the fieldwork period and should not be interpreted as a prediction of the actual outcome of the 2028 elections.
