MANILA, Philippines – The ground beneath the Philippine political landscape trembled today, sending shockwaves through the nation more than a year before the May 2025 midterm elections. The first major glimpse into the senatorial race has arrived, and it reveals a stunningly dominant early lead for one candidate, setting the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes battle for the coveted Senate seats.
In an initial sounding that instantly reshapes preliminary calculations, reelectionist Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has surged to the forefront, capturing the attention of the electorate in the latest Pulse Asia survey senatorial findings. Conducted nationwide from March 23 to March 29, 2024, this crucial survey offers an early, yet significant, snapshot of voter sentiment, drawing battle lines long before the official campaign period kicks off. The air crackles with anticipation as potential candidates and political strategists digest these initial numbers.
Go’s Dominance & The Chasing Pack: A Glimpse from the Pulse Asia Survey
The results from Pulse Asia Research Incorporated paint a clear picture at the very top: Senator Bong Go commands a formidable lead with a staggering 61.9 percent voter preference. This figure places him significantly ahead of the pack, establishing him as the undisputed frontrunner at this early stage. The survey, meticulously carried out through face-to-face interviews with 2,400 randomly selected Filipino adults across the archipelago, provides a credible baseline for the unfolding senatorial survey 2025 narrative.
Trailing Go, but still polling strongly, are ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo and incumbent Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. Tulfo secures 51.1 percent, while Dela Rosa garners 48.7 percent, placing them in a statistical tie for the second and third ranks. The strong showing of these figures, including two reelectionist senators closely associated with recent administration power structures and a prominent media personality turned legislator, suggests that established names and existing political networks hold considerable sway in the early phase of the race. This initial pulse asia survey underscores the enduring influence of incumbency and high public visibility.
The Maelstrom: Intense Scramble for the ‘Magic 12’
Beyond the leading trio, the political battlefield transforms into a chaotic maelstrom. While Go enjoys a comfortable lead, the fight for the remaining spots within the “Magic 12” – the number of senators elected – is incredibly tight and fiercely contested. According to the Pulse Asia senatorial survey 2025, out of 64 potential candidates considered, a total of 16 currently have a statistical chance of winning a Senate seat.
This packed field highlights the intense competition brewing. The survey reveals a statistical logjam, with numerous candidates clustered closely together, their rankings overlapping significantly due to margins falling within the survey’s error range. This volatility means the composition of the winning circle is far from certain and highly susceptible to shifts in public opinion as the election cycle progresses.
Among those jostling for position are seasoned politicians, returning figures, and popular personalities:
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III holds the fourth spot with 44.2 percent.
A tight cluster follows, including Senator Pia Cayetano (37.5%; 5th-10th places), Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. (36.9%; 5th-11th places), former Senator Panfilo Lacson (36%; 5th-11th places), media personality Willie Revillame (35.7%; 5th-12th places), media personality Ben Tulfo (35.4%; 5th-12th places), and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay (35.3%; 5th-12th places).
Further contenders include Senator Lito Lapid (33.3%; 6th-13th places) and former Senator Manny Pacquiao (32%; 8th-16th places).
Rounding out the list of those with a statistical chance are actor Philip Salvador (30.0%; 11th-17th places), Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar (29%; 12th-18th places), former Senator Bam Aquino (28.6%; 12th-18th places), and SAGIP Partylist Representative Rodante Marcoleta (28.3%; 12th-18th places).
The overlapping ranks underscore the razor-thin margins separating many potential winners at this point. A minor swing in voter preference could dramatically reorder this list.
| Candidate Name | Voter Preference (%) | Rank / Range |
| Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go | 61.9% | 1st |
| Erwin Tulfo | 51.1% | 2nd-3rd |
| Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa | 48.7% | 2nd-3rd |
| Vicente Sotto III | 44.2% | 4th |
| Pia Cayetano | 37.5% | 5th-10th |
| Ramon Revilla Jr. | 36.9% | 5th-11th |
| Panfilo Lacson | 36.0% | 5th-11th |
| Willie Revillame | 35.7% | 5th-12th |
| Ben Tulfo | 35.4% | 5th-12th |
| Abby Binay | 35.3% | 5th-12th |
| Lito Lapid | 33.3% | 6th-13th |
| Manny Pacquiao | 32.0% | 8th-16th |
| Philip Salvador | 30.0% | 11th-17th |
| Camille Villar | 29.0% | 12th-18th |
| Bam Aquino | 28.6% | 12th-18th |
| Rodante Marcoleta | 28.3% | 12th-18th |
Source: Pulse Asia Research Inc., March 23-29, 2024 Ulat ng Bayan Survey
Familiar Themes: Celebrities, Dynasties, and the Long Road Ahead
This early pulse asia survey senatorial snapshot reinforces enduring patterns in Philippine politics. The strong showing of media personalities like Erwin Tulfo, Ben Tulfo, and Willie Revillame, alongside entertainment figures like Philip Salvador and sports icon Manny Pacquiao, highlights the continued potency of celebrity status and media visibility in capturing voter attention and preference. Name recognition, amplified by mass media exposure, remains a powerful currency in the crowded senatorial arena.
Furthermore, the list of probable winners is heavily populated by members of established political families. Names like Sotto, Cayetano, Revilla Jr., Binay, Lapid, Villar, and Aquino represent multi-generational involvement in Philippine governance. Their presence underscores the resilience and deep roots of political dynasties, suggesting that family networks and associated resources continue to provide a significant advantage in electoral contests.
However, it is crucial to contextualize these findings. This survey was conducted in late March 2024, offering a valuable, but decidedly early, look at the electoral landscape for the May 2025 polls. It reflects current sentiments and name recognition more than a year out from election day. The political climate can, and likely will, shift dramatically due to unforeseen events, evolving alliances, campaign strategies, and emerging national issues. This senatorial survey 2025 data serves as a baseline, not a final prediction.
The Starting Gun Fires
The latest Pulse Asia survey has fired the unofficial starting gun for the 2025 senatorial race. Senator Bong Go’s commanding early lead sets a dramatic opening tone, while the intense, statistically tangled competition for the remaining ‘Magic 12’ spots promises a turbulent and unpredictable election season ahead. The enduring influence of media personalities and political dynasties remains evident, shaping the contours of the initial battlefield.
While this survey provides critical early intelligence, the marathon has just begun. The coming months will undoubtedly witness shifting alliances, intense campaigning, and evolving voter priorities. This initial sprint, however, has set a blistering pace, signaling that the fight for the Senate in 2025 will be one to watch closely from the very start.
