Bong, Jinggoy, Miriam lead Senate race - SWS

MANILA, Philippines - Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Estrada and Miriam Defensor-Santiago have remained the frontrunners in the Senate race, based on the latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The survey, commissioned by newspaper BusinessWorld, also showed eight candidates vying for the 12th and last Senate seat.

Revilla, of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD, topped the list of likely winners with 51 percent, lower than his April rating of 54 percent.

In close second is Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino with 50 percent, down from 53 percent in April.

Santiago of the People’s Reform Party stayed in third place with 45 percent, up from 43 percent in April, followed by former senate president Franklin Drilon with 39 percent, up from 35 percent last month.

Still in fifth place is Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile of the PMP, unchanged at 36 percent, followed by Sen. Pia Cayetano of the Nacionalista Party with 34 percent, down from 36 percent in April.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan emerged seventh with 31 percent, up from 28 percent last month.

Former senator Vicento Sotto III is in the eight slot with 30 percent, down from 33 percent.

Former senators Ralph Recto and Serge Osmeña III obtained 29 percent each for statistical rankings of ninth and 10th places.

Sen. Manuel Lapid occupies the 11th slot with 26 percent, down from the previous 27 percent.

The eight candidates vying for the last Senate seat were Bukidnon Rep Teofisto Guingona III (22 percent), businessman Jose de Venecia III (21 percent), former Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla (20 percent), Akbayan Rep. Riza Hontiveros (20 percent), Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon (19 percent), Sonia Roco (18 percent), Marine Col. Ariel Querubin (18 percent), and Gwendolyn Pimentel (18 percent). – With Jess Diaz and Aurea Calica