SWS: Go remains top pick for senator

With exactly three weeks to go before the 12 May midterm elections, reelectionist Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains the top senatorial choice among Filipino voters.

A commissioned survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed Go as the frontrunner after garnering the support of 45 percent of the respondents.

He was followed by ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, who ranked second with a 43-percent voter preference.

Tulfo was followed by his fellow candidates in the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, namely, reelectionist Senator Lito Lapid, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and reelectionist Senator Pia Cayetano.

Meanwhile, police chief-turned-lawmaker Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa landed in sixth place with 32-percent voter preference. He was followed by another reelectionist, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

Broadcaster Ben Tulfo tied with Revilla in the seventh and eighth spots. Tulfo’s placing in the recent survey, which was conducted from 11 to 15 April, was noticeably lower after a three-point decline in support.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay, another Alyansa bet, climbed to ninth spot with 29 percent, while Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar rose to the 10th spot.

Meanwhile, former senator Ping Lacson slid to 11th place from last month’s 7th to 8th position, as his support dropped from 31 percent to 26 percent.

Former senator Manny Pacquiao rounded out the top 12, securing 25 percent voter preference.

TV host Willie Revillame and Senator Imee Marcos both missed the cut for the so-called Magic 12, tying at 13th to 14th place with 24 percent voter support.

Former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan followed in the 15th to 16th ranks, garnering 21 percent support in the April survey.

Unwavering support

Go expressed his heartfelt thanks to Filipinos for consistently placing him among the top picks in the upcoming elections.

“Thank you once again to our fellow Filipinos for your continued trust and support,” Go said in a statement. “Your unwavering faith in my service — wherever I go in the country, from Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao — truly keeps me going.”

Go also credited his inspiration to a higher calling: “Above all, I thank God for the opportunity to serve. This drives me to work harder, serve with greater passion, and extend more compassion — especially to our less fortunate countrymen.”

He reassured voters that he remains committed to putting the country and the Filipino people first.

“You can count on me to always prioritize the nation’s interests and the welfare of those in need,” Go said. “Hard work, compassion, and continued public service — that’s what I offer. I will push even harder to bring essential government services, especially medical aid, closer to our people.”

He emphasized his dedication to public service, saying, “As your senator, I will keep serving with all my heart. Public service is my passion — and for me, serving the people is serving God.”

Go also thanked supporters of his allies in the “DuterTEN” alliance. “Thank you for supporting my fellow candidates who, like me, are committed to continuing the meaningful changes started by former President Rodrigo Duterte.”