Former senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino emerged as the top candidates in the 2025 midterm senatorial race based on a recent survey of students conducted by the Department of Business Economics of the College of Commerce and Business Administration of the University of Santo Tomas.

The survey, held in collaboration with DAILY TRIBUNE, showed Pangilinan and Aquino getting 81 percent and 80 percent, respectively, of intended votes from college students in Metro Manila.

Independent candidate Heidi Mendoza ranked third with 64.4 percent, while Partido ng Lakas ng Masa candidates Luke Espiritu and Leody de Guzman placed fourth and fifth, respectively, with 63.8 percent and 50.1 percent of the votes.

Conducted from 28 to 30 March, the survey gathered perspectives on the top senatorial candidates from 3,041 college students in the National Capital Region.

It sought to determine which candidates were most trusted to address three key national issues: job security and employment; poverty and food security; and national security and sovereignty.

The sixth to 12th spots were filled by progressive and labor-oriented candidates.

Danilo Hernandez Ramos of Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan ranked sixth with 42.3 percent, followed by Sonny Matula of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Party at seventh place with 39.5 percent.

Teddy Casiño, also of Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan, secured eighth place with 38.2 percent, while his partymate Ronnel Arambulo took ninth with 35.5 percent.

Arlene Brosas and France Castro, both associated with Makabayan, landed in 10th and 11th place with 34 percent and 26.8 percent, respectively. Independent candidate Roberto Ballon completed the top 12, garnering 2.1 percent of the votes.

Unlike traditional popularity surveys, the UST socioeconomic senatorial survey assessed candidates based on their ability to address pressing national concerns. If the youth and intellectual sectors participate in large numbers, the election results could challenge the dominance of political dynasties and patronage politics.

It is anchored on the premise that voting wisely is crucial to shaping a government that prioritizes policies over personalities, and that a competent and transparent leadership can pave the way for a nation where social inequality is reduced, employment is stable, and food security is ensured.

Job security

As Filipinos cast their votes in May for national and local posts, employment has remained central to economic discussions. As of 2024, approximately 79.3 million Filipinos were within the working-age population (15 years and older), with 51.09 million comprising the labor force.

While the labor force participation rate has remained around 64.6 percent, a significant portion of Filipinos still face employment challenges, especially in rural areas where job opportunities and educational access are limited.

Despite a high employment rate, underemployment remains a persistent issue, with 13.3 percent of employed Filipinos working jobs that don’t match their skills. In 2023 alone, 17 million Filipinos were part of the informal sector, such as street vendors, tricycle drivers and jeepney operators.

Additionally, exploitative labor practices such as contractualization, or “endo,” continue to undermine job security, depriving workers of benefits and stability.

World Bank reports progress

The World Bank reports that the Philippines has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the last three decades. The poverty rate fell from 49.2 percent in 1985 to 16.7 percent in 2018, but the 2020 pandemic reversed some of these gains, raising poverty levels to 18.1 percent in 2021.

Food inflation and income deficiencies continue to pose serious health and nutrition risks, particularly for vulnerable households.

Despite economic growth, the Philippines has the highest income inequality among ASEAN’s six largest economies, with a Gini coefficient of 42.3 percent.

The richest one percent of earners control 17 percent of the national income, while the bottom 50 percent receive only 14 percent. The concentration of wealth among a few elites hampers investment in public goods and limits economic mobility for many Filipinos.

Food security remains a major concern, with 44.7 percent of Filipinos experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity, according to the FAO. The most food-insecure regions — BARMM, Region VIII and Region XII — are also among the poorest.

The government declared a “food security emergency” in February 2025 due to soaring rice prices, despite efforts to liberalize imports and lower tariffs. These economic shocks disproportionately affect low-income families, further exacerbating inequality.

Pangilinan appealed to young voters to boost his and Aquino’s chances.

Speaking at Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas, Pangilinan acknowledged supporters’ disillusionment after their 2022 loss but urged renewed resolve.

“We fought for an honest government then — today, that need is even greater,” he said in Filipino.

Pangilinan cited their strong showing in campus surveys. “Victory isn’t certain, but with youth mobilizing neighbors and networks, we can rise,” he said.

He joked about being “better-looking in person” but stressed, “Don’t vote for looks. Vote for integrity, principles, and clean records.”

Pangilinan highlighted his 18-year corruption-free tenure: “Public trust is sacred — never to be betrayed.”

Pangilinan’s Batangas tour includes visits to Sampaguita Farm, municipal halls, and fisherfolk communities, plus meetings with local officials.