Loren, Chiz top Pulse Asia survey

MANILA, Philippines – Re-electionist senators Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero are still the top senatorial candidates in the midterm elections in 2013, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey.

Based on the survey, conducted from August 31 to September 7, Legarda led with a 67.3 percent senatorial preference followed by Escudero with 61.2 percent.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and San Juan City Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada shared the third spot with 49.9 percent senatorial preference each followed by Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. (47.4 percent).

The fifth to 10th places are dominated by another re-electonist Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV (41.2 percent); Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan II (40.6 percent); and, Aquilino "Kiko" Pimentel III (39.2 percent). Former senator Juan Miguel Zubiri is ninth spot with 37.4 percent followed by Rep. Edgardo "Sonny" Angara (35.9 percent).

Binay daughter, Mrs. Villar also popular bets

Former congresswoman Cynthia Villar is in the 11th place with 32.7 percent while Ma. Lourdes "Nancy" Binay, daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay, surprisingly landed in the 12th place with 27.4 percent.

Completing the top 15 include former senators Richard Gordon (26.2 percent), Ramon "Jun" Magsaysay Jr. (25.4 percent), and Jamby Madrigal with 23.2 percent preferential vote.

Legarda said that her high senatorial preference may be attributed to "what I'm doing here in the Senate."

”Elections is still eight months away. My focus remains on the many legislative work and advocacy programs that would benefit our people,” Legarda said.

She said the survey inspired her more to work even harder but vowed not be complacent.

”I thank God and I think the Filipino people. I promised to work harder for the people who have given us a chance to serve them,” Legarda said.

The senator had run for vice president in 2010, but lost to Binay.

Escudero, on the other hand, is said to be aspiring for a higher post in 2016. Escudero had campaigned for Binay in 2010.

Legarda and Escudero also topped Pulse Asia's senatorial survey issued last June.