Senator Bong Go topped the latest pre-election survey for the May 2025 senatorial race, with nine administration-aligned candidates occupying most of the projected “winning circle,” according to results released by Social Weather Stations (SWS).
Commissioned by Stratbase Group and conducted from April 11 to 15 with 1,800 registered voters, the survey showed Go leading with 45% voter preference — a three-point increase from the previous month.
ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo ranked second with 43%, followed by Sen. Lito Lapid in third with 34%.
Former Senate President Tito Sotto and Sen. Pia Cayetano shared fourth and fifth places with 33% each, while Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa placed sixth at 32%.
Sen. Bong Revilla and broadcaster Ben Tulfo tied at seventh and eighth with 31%. Ben Tulfo saw a dip in support, dropping from third in the previous survey.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay moved up to ninth place with 29%, while Rep. Camille Villar rose to 10th with 28%.
Former Sen. Ping Lacson dropped to 11th after his rating slipped from 31% to 26%, followed by ex-senator Manny Pacquiao at 12th with 25%.
Tied just outside the top 12 are Willie Revillame and Sen. Imee Marcos, both at 24%. Ex-senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan followed, each garnering 21%.
Stratbase president Dindo Manhit attributed the administration candidates’ dominance to a mix of name recall, incumbency, access to government resources, and media exposure.
“Their messaging often resonates with the public by focusing on continuity, helping Filipinos, and other populist themes — narratives that appeal to many voters seeking familiarity and perceived stability as election day approaches,” he said.
He urged voters to look beyond popularity and examine candidates’ track records and plans.
“Now is the time to critically examine each candidate’s track record, values, and platform,” Manhit said. “We have less than a month before the elections. Let’s use this time to make informed, thoughtful choices — because the quality of our next Senate will shape our future long after election day has passed.”