MANILA -- Nine administration bets continue to occupy spots in the projected "winner's circle" of the senatorial race this May 2025 elections, according to the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations.

Based on the survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group, with less than a month remaining before the midterm polls Senator Bong Go has emerged as the frontrunner with 45% of respondents expressing support -- an increase of three percentage points from the previous month.

He was followed closely by ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, who ranked second with 43% voter preference.

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Senator Lito Lapid secured 3rd place with 34%, while former Senate President Tito Sotto and Senator Pia Cayetano shared the 4th and 5th positions, both receiving 33%.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa followed in 6th place with 32%.

Senator Bong Revilla and broadcaster Ben Tulfo tied in the 7th and 8th spots, each garnering 31%.  Notably, Ben Tulfo dropped from his previous 3rd to 4th place ranking after a 3-point decline in support.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay climbed to 9th place with 29%, while Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar rose to 10th with 28%-- both improving from 11th to 13th position last month. 

Meanwhile, former Senator Ping Lacson slid to 11th place from last month’s 7th to 8th position, as his support dropped from 31% to 26%.

Former Senator Manny Pacquiao rounded out the top 12, securing 25% voter preference.

The results of the nationwide survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) and commissioned by the Stratbase Group. Handout/SWS

Just outside the winning circle are TV host Willie Revillame and Senator Imee Marcos, who are tied in 13th to 14th place with 24% support each.

Former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan followed in the 15th to 16th ranks, each garnering 21% support in the April survey.

The nationwide survey was conducted out from April 11 to 15, 2025, and polled 1,800 registered voters. 

Respondents were asked who they would most likely vote for if the elections were held during the survey period. The poll has a ±2.31% margin of error. 

Stratbase President Dindo Manhit explained that administration-backed senatorial candidates continue to dominate pre-election surveys due to a combination of strategic advantages. 

“Their incumbency and strong name recall -- often built over the years in public office or media exposure  -- keep them top-of-mind for voters. Access to government machinery and well-organized local networks amplifies their visibility and reach, especially in the provinces, while media leverage, particularly among candidates with broadcasting backgrounds, ensures sustained exposure across platforms,” he explained. 

“Furthermore, their messaging often resonates with the public by focusing on continuity, helping Filipinos, and other populist themes--- narratives that appeal to many voters seeking familiarity and perceived stability as election day approaches.”

Manhit urged voters to look beyond popularity, media exposure, and party affiliation, and focus on the candidates’ track records and plans for the Filipino people. 

“Now is the time to critically examine each candidate’s track record, values, and platform. Who has truly served the public with integrity? Who offers clear, achievable solutions to the country’s pressing issues?” he said.

“We have less than a month before the elections. Let’s use this time to make informed, thoughtful choices--- because the quality of our next Senate will shape our future long after election day has passed,” he emphasized.