MANILA, Philippines — Fourteen aspirants running for the Senate next year are within the winning margin, based on the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia.
The survey, conducted from Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, found ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo and former Senate president Vicente Sotto III statistically tied for the first and second spots.
Tulfo obtained the support of 62.2 percent of the respondents, while Sotto was supported by 59.2 percent.
Following them were Sen. Bong Go (54.6 percent), media personality Ben Tulfo (52.7 percent), Sen. Pia Cayetano (46.5 percent), former senator Manny Pacquiao (45 percent), former senator Panfilo Lacson (44.1 percent), television host Willie Revillame (43.6 percent), Sen. Bong Revilla (43.5 percent) and Makati Mayor Abby Binay (40.1 percent).
Also within statistical chances of winning are reelectionist Senators Lito Lapid (39.2 percent), Imee Marcos (37.5 percent), Ronald dela Rosa (36.9 percent) and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar (36.5 percent).
Trailing them are former senators Francis Pangilinan (33.1 percent), Gregorio Honasan (28.6 percent) and Bam Aquino (28.2 percent), former interior secretary Benhur Abalos (26 percent), social media personality Dr. Willie Ong (20.6 percent) and Sen. Francis Tolentino (20.2 percent).
The survey was an independent poll conducted by Pulse Asia. It involved face-to-face interviews with 2,400 respondents, with a margin of error of plus/minus two percent.
The respondents were given a list of names based on those who have filed their certificates of candidacy for the Senate. They were asked to select up to 12 aspirants whom they are most likely to support if the elections were held during the survey period.
President Marcos ratings up, VP Sara’s drops
Meanwhile, the trust and satisfaction ratings of President Marcos slightly increased in December, while the trust and satisfaction ratings of Vice President Sara Duterte slightly dipped, according to the recent survey conducted by Tangere.
Based on the results of the survey, the satisfaction rating of Marcos increased to 47.90 percent from the previous 47.30 percent, while his trust rating went up to 60.10 percent from the previous 59.6 percent.
“Satisfaction and trust for the President were driven by respondents from Northern Luzon and respondents aged 18 to 50 years old. Distrust and dissatisfaction were highest in Mindanao, and for respondents aged 51 years old and above,” the market research company said.
On the other hand, it said Duterte experienced a notable decline in her satisfaction rating this December, after getting 45.5 percent compared to the previous 47.5 percent and trust rating of 53.4 percent from the previous 55.5 percent.
“A notable increase in both her dissatisfaction rating, from 36.5 percent to 36.8 percent, and distrust rating, from 26.5 percent to 27 percent, were also observed,” Tangere added.
It said that the respondents from Central Luzon, Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon and Metro Manila were the primary drivers of the increase in her dissatisfaction and distrust ratings.
Tangere said Duterte continues to leverage on strong support from Mindanao, where her trust and satisfaction are the highest.
On the other hand, Sen. Francis Escudero’s satisfaction and trust ratings both increased after he got a 52.7-percent satisfaction rating compared to the previous 52.5 percent, and trust rating of 61.5 percent compared to the previous 61.3 percent.
Tangere said that dissatisfaction and distrust for the Senate President is also the lowest amongst the top government officials of the country.
The satisfaction rating of Speaker Martin Romualdez also improved to 47.9 percent compared to the previous 47.3 percent, and trust rating of 58.2 percent compared to the previous 57.4 percent.
“The increase in satisfaction and trust are driven by respondents from Northern Luzon, Metro Manila, and Eastern Visayas. Similar to President Marcos, there is a higher level of distrust and dissatisfaction among respondents from Mindanao, and for respondents aged 51 years old and above,” Tangere said.
The satisfaction and trust ratings of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo also improved. Tangere said this can be attributed to an increase in his awareness in Luzon.
The survey on the trust and satisfaction ratings of top government officials was conducted last Dec. 16 to 19, and was administered via a mobile-based respondent application with a sample size of 2,000 participants and margin of error of plus/minus 2.20 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.
The proportion was spread throughout the Philippines with 12 percent from Metro Manila, 23 percent from Northern Luzon, 22 percent from Southern Luzon, 20 percent from Visayas and 23 percent from Mindanao. — Bella Cariaso