8 of 11 Alyansa Bets in Senate Magic 12; Erwin Tulfo Leads — survey

With three days left before election day, senatorial hopefuls from the administration slate Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas continue to dominate what is likely the last pre-election survey, with eight out of their 11 bets making it into the Magic 12.

The Social Weather Survey (SWS), conducted from May 2 to 6, showed that the initial list of 12 comprises eight contenders from Alyansa, two from PDP-Laban, and another two independent candidates.

Topping the list is ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo of Alyansa with 45 percent voting preference, followed by PDP-Laban’s Senator Christopher “Bong” Go with 43 percent. Tulfo and Go have been locked in a tight race and consistently trading ranks for the lead spot in recent senatorial surveys.

Former senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (Alyansa) landed in the third spot with 37 percent, while re-electionist Senator Lito Lapid—also from Alyansa— and independent candidate Ben Tulfo are tied in fourth to fifth place with both 34 percent.

Alyansa’s Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is solo in the sixth spot with 32 percent, while Makati Mayor Abby Binay—also running under the administration ticket—and re-electionist Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (PDP-Laban), share the seventh to eighth spot with 31 percent.

Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar and re-electionist Pia Cayetano—both from Alyansa—are tied for the ninth to 10th spot with 30 percent. Last to enter the so-called Magic 12 are Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla (Alyansa) and Imee Marcos (independent) with 29 percent.

Meanwhile, senatorial bets landing in 13th to 15th spot are Alyansa’s Manny Pacquiao and Benhur Abalos, and independent candidate Willie Revillame, all with 24 percent.

Former senators Bam Aquino and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan also entered the 20-percent range with 23 and 21 percent, respectively, grabbing the 16th and 17th spots.

On the other hand, contenders who garnered below 20 percent include members of the so-called “Duterten”—Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, Phillip Salvador, and Jimmy Bondoc.

Marcoleta registered with 17 percent and ranked 18th, while Salvador shared the 19th to 20th spot with 1-Rider Rep. Bonifacio Bosita with 16 percent.

Alyansa’s re-electionist Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino ranked 21st with 15 percent, followed by former senator Gringo Honasan with 14 percent, while Bondoc placed 23rd with 11 percent.

Other “Duterteten” candidates or PDP-Laban bets—Vic Rodriguez, Raul Lambino, and Apollo Quiboloy—are all tied for the 24th to 26th spot with eight percent.

A total of 66 candidates are vying for 12 Senate seats in the May 12 polls. They have until May 10, or the closing of the 90-day campaign period, to court the voting public.