Sotto, Lacson top Pulse senatorial poll survey

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and former Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson topped the list of preferred senatorial bets for the 2016 national elections, according to the Pulse Asia survey released on Monday.

The survey showed that 63.6 percent of the respondents will vote for Sotto while 59.3 percent will vote for Lacson.

Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ranked third with 54.9 percent, followed by Senate President Franklin Drilon with 48.2 percent.

Former Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan placed fifth with 46.6 percent.

Completing the list of possible winners for the Senate race are the following:

• Sen. Ralph Recto (45.4 percent)
• Former Sen. Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri (41.4 percent)
• Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao (39.6 percent)
• Sen. Sergio Osmeña III ( 38.7 percent)
• Former Sen. Richard Gordon (36.8 percent)
• Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar (35.8 percent)
• Former Sen. Jamby Madrigal (35.2 percent)
• Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (35.2 percent)

The survey was conducted from September 8 to 14. The respondents were asked who among the senatorial bets would they vote for if the elections were held during the day of the survey.