MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo are statistically tied for the top spot in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey for the May 2025 midterm elections, each earning 42% voter preference.
The survey, conducted from March 15 to 20, 2025, highlights a competitive Senate race led by a mix of re-electionists, former lawmakers, political dynasts, local executives, and celebrity candidates.
1. Christopher “Bong” Go – 42%
2. Erwin Tulfo – 42%
3. Ben Tulfo – 34%
4. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III – 34%
5. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson – 32%
6. Lito Lapid – 31%
7. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. – 30%
8. Pia Cayetano – 30%
9. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa – 29%
10. Abigail “Abby” Binay – 27%
11. Manny Pacquiao – 27%
12. Camille Villar – 27%
Nine of the twelve candidates in the “Magic 12” are officially part of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas (ABP), the administration coalition supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The ABP is composed of major political parties including the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas–CMD, Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party, and National Unity Party (NUP).
Here are the ABP-backed candidates who ranked in the Top 12, with confirmed party affiliations and SWS voter preference:
• Erwin Tulfo (Lakas–CMD) – 42%
• Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (NPC) – 34%
• Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (Independent, guest candidate for NPC) – 32%
• Lito Lapid (NPC) – 31%
• Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (Lakas–CMD) – 30%
• Pia Cayetano (Nacionalista) – 30%
• Abby Binay (NPC) – 27%
• Manny Pacquiao (PFP) – 27%
• Camille Villar (Nacionalista) – 27%
These candidates were officially endorsed by President Marcos in September 2024 as part of the ABP slate. Their strong placement in the survey signals the coalition’s wide reach and influence ahead of the elections.
Senator Imee Marcos, also originally announced as part of the ABP slate, withdrew from the coalition on March 26, 2025, citing political differences following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Abby Binay’s appearance in the top 10 reflects growing voter interest in local executives transitioning to national leadership roles.
The Makati mayor has emphasized policy integration between local and national levels as a key campaign point.
Meanwhile, the continued popularity of figures like Manny Pacquiao, Ben Tulfo, and Camille Villar illustrates the enduring appeal of name recognition, celebrity influence, and political lineage in Philippine elections.
The Road to May
With the 2025 midterm polls scheduled for May 12, candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns.
Voter sentiment may shift further in the coming weeks, especially among those vying near the lower margins of the Magic 12.
Winning candidates will serve six-year terms in the 24-member Senate, shaping the legislative landscape alongside the administration’s priorities.
