Manila: Nine candidates backed by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are among the likely winners in the 2025 Senate race, as indicated by the latest OCTA Research pre-election survey.

According to Philippines News Agency, the survey, conducted between January 25 and 31, shows ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo as the frontrunner, securing 70 percent voter preference. Former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is positioned between third and eighth place with a 52 percent preference.

Other candidates supported by the administration making the probable winning list include Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., former Senator Panfilo Lacson, Senator Pia Cayetano, and former Senator Manny Pacquiao, all of whom rank within the top 12 with voter preferences ranging from 45 to 49 percent. Senator Imee Marcos and Senator Lito Lapid also feature prominently, holding positions from fifth to 14th with preferences of 44 and 43 percent respectively.

Additionally, former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. is in the ninth to 16th range with a 39 percent voter preference, completing the administration-backed candidates in the top 12.

Despite being outside the “Magic 12,” other administration candidates like Senator Francis Tolentino, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, and Las Pi±as Representative Camille Villar remain within statistical striking distance, with preferences between 36 and 38 percent.

Three candidates not aligned with the administration also made it to the top 12. Independent candidate Ben Tulfo ranks second to third with 60 percent, while Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is placed second to fourth with 58 percent. TV host and independent candidate Willie Revillame ties with Lacson at fourth to 11th with a 48 percent preference.

The nationwide survey involved 1,200 respondents and has a margin of error of ±3%. Participants were asked which candidates they would likely vote for if the elections were held today, with the option to choose up to 12 candidates.