Manila: Eight senatorial candidates backed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. have secured positions in the top 12 of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on voter preferences for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, the survey, commissioned by Stratbase Consultancy and conducted from February 15 to 19, revealed that ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo (Lakas) is leading with 45 percent of voter support.

Senator Lito Lapid (Nationalist People’s Coalition), aligned with the administration through Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, is in the third position with 36 percent. Other administration-supported candidates making it into the probable winning circle include former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (NPC) with 34 percent, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (Lakas) with 33 percent, Senator Pia Cayetano (Nacionalista Party) with 33 percent, former Senator Panfilo Lacson (independent) with 32 percent, Makati Mayor Abby Binay (NPC) with 30 percent, and former Senator Manny Pacquiao (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) with 30 percent.

Candidates Sotto, Revilla, Cayetano, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, journalist Ben Tulfo, and Lacson occupied spots from fourth to ninth place. Pacquiao, Binay, and television host Willie Revillame (independent) rounded out the top 12, each with 30 percent voter support. Deputy Speaker Camille Villar (NP), another Alyansa candidate, is close behind in 13th place with 29 percent.

Other Alyansa candidates, such as Senator Imee Marcos (NP, 24 percent), former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos (PFP, 17 percent), and Senator Francis Tolentino (PFP, 15 percent), are currently positioned outside the top 12. Meanwhile, non-administration senatorial candidates in the top 12 include Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go (PDP-Laban) with 38 percent, Ben Tulfo (independent) with 34 percent, and Dela Rosa (PDP-Laban) with 32 percent.

The SWS survey was conducted using a ballot-style questionnaire based on a revised list of 66 candidates released by the Commission on Elections. Respondents were asked to shade up to 12 names in a private voting process.

Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco, campaign manager for Alyansa, emphasized the positive reception of the slate during recent campaign stops in key regions such as Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Iloilo City; Carmen, Davao del Norte; Pasay City, Metro Manila; Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; and Victorias City in Negros Occidental province. He remarked, ‘Filipinos are showing their trust in Alyansa and President Bongbong Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas agenda,’ in a news release on Tuesday.

Tiangco further noted, ‘Everywhere we go, the enthusiasm is undeniable. People want leaders who will ensure continuity, stability, and meaningful reforms.’ He mentioned that voters attending the campaign rallies were attentive to the candidates’ platforms focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare improvements. ‘As we move forward with our campaign, we remain committed to directly connecting with Filipinos, ensuring they understand our candidates’ vision for a stronger nation,’ he added.