Crowded Senate race seen next year – OCTA

MANILA, Philippines — A new poll conducted by the OCTA Research group confirmed a crowded race for the Senate next year, with at least 18 aspirants within statistical margin of winning.

The survey, conducted from Nov. 10 to 18 and released yesterday, showed ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo still leading the list with the support of 73 percent of the respondents.

He was followed by his brother, media personality Ben Tulfo, and former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, who are statistically tied in second to third spot with the support of 66 percent and 63 percent, respectively.

Following them were reelectionist Senators Bong Go (52 percent), Bong Revilla (49 percent) and Pia Cayetano (49 percent), former senator Panfilo Lacson (47 percent), Sen. Imee Marcos (41 percent), former senator Manny Pacquiao (38 percent) and Senators Lito Lapid (36 percent) and Francis Tolentino (36 percent).

Trailing them but still also within statistical chances of winning a spot in the “Magic 12” were former interior secretary Benhur Abalos (30 percent), Makati Mayor Abby Binay (30 percent), Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar (29 percent), television host Willie Revillame (28 percent), former senator Gregorio Honasan (27 percent), Sen. Ronald dela Rosa (26 percent) and former senator Francis Pangilinan (25 percent).

Outside the winning circle are social media personality Dr. Willie Ong (22 percent), former senator Bam Aquino (19 percent), actor Phillip Salvador (15 percent) and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson (10 percent).

The results of the OCTA poll are mostly similar to the fourth quarter survey conducted by Pulse Asia, where 14 aspirants were seen to be within statistical chances of winning if the polls were conducted during the survey period.

OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa survey had 1,200 adult respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent.

Service is his vice

In the run-up to the 2025 elections, Go continues to gain ground as a top senatorial contender, securing a 52 percent voter preference and ranking 4th to 7th in OCTA Research’s Tugon ng Masa Fourth Quarter 2024 survey.

Known as a crusader for health reforms and accessible public service, Go said that while he welcomes the high ratings, his focus remains on his unwavering commitment to serving Filipinos.

He said service is his vice, especially to those in need, and is all that he can offer to the people.

This comes as his performance across multiple surveys shows a consistent upward trajectory.

In PUBLiCUS Asia Inc.’s PAHAYAG 2024 End-of-the-Year Survey conducted from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, Go is still among the top contenders in both the unaided and aided voting preference category.

In Pulse Asia’s survey conducted from Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, Go achieved a 54.7 percent voting preference, an impressive leap from 40.3 percent in September.

In Tangere’s nationwide survey held from Nov. 6 to 9, he ranked third with a voter preference of 50.13 percent. Similarly, the Issues and Advocacy Center’s Pulso ng Pilipino Fourth Quarter Pre-Poll Survey conducted from Nov. 5 to Dec. 1 placed him fifth with 46.5 percent.

He said what’s important is that the people feel the service and compassion. As long as he is physically able, he would go to even the farthest corners of the country to help and bring smiles to the people.

The senator’s legislative accomplishments this year and over recent years have solidified his reputation as a public servant focused on bringing essential services closer to Filipinos, particularly in health, youth, sports and disaster resilience.