Sen. Robin Padilla emerged as the top preferred senatorial candidate for the 2028 national elections in the latest Pulse Asia Research Inc. survey released on Wednesday.
Based on the poll’s findings, Padilla received a 48.4% voter preference, placing him within the 1st to 2nd ranking among potential candidates. He was closely followed by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, who garnered 47.9%, placing him within the 1st to 3rd ranking.
The survey, conducted through face-to-face interviews from June 28 to July 3 and July 6, 2026, covered 2,400 Filipino adults nationwide aged 18 and above. It has a ±2% margin of error at the 95% confidence level.
Pulse Asia said that out of the 53 personalities included in the survey, 17 potential candidates posted statistical chances of winning if the 2028 senatorial elections had been held during the survey period. Most of those in the winning circle are incumbent or former lawmakers.
Rounding out the top five were Sen. Raffy Tulfo with 43.9% (2nd to 5th), Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano with 43.2% (3rd to 5th), and Sen. Loren Legarda with 40.3% (3rd to 5th).
Also included among the potential winners were former Sen. Manny Pacquiao (35.6%), Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay (32.4%), Education Secretary Sonny Angara (27.2%), Sen. Mark Villar (26.1%), broadcaster Ben Tulfo (20.7%), Sen. Jinggoy Estrada (19.5%), television host Willie Revillame (19.0%), Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero (17.2%), former AnaKalusugan Party-list Rep. Michael Defensor (17.1%), former Sen. Mar Roxas (17.1%), Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. (17.0%), and TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid (16.9%).
The survey also found that 89% of Filipinos are interested in participating in the May 2028 national elections. However, only 19% of respondents said they already have a complete slate of 12 preferred senatorial candidates.
Pulse Asia noted that the survey reflects voter preferences during the fieldwork period and does not constitute an election forecast. Public opinion may still change as the 2028 elections draw nearer.
