The latest survey results released by Publicus Asia have revealed some intriguing shifts in voter predispositions for the upcoming senatorial elections in 2025. Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was once considered a strong contender, has slipped into second place, with cardiologist Dr. Willie Ong emerging as the leading candidate. The survey, conducted from March 14 to 18 among 1,500 respondents, provides valuable insights into the changing dynamics of the political landscape.
Dr. Willie Ong’s rise to the top spot with 41 percent of the top-of-mind vote is a significant development. Known for his advocacy for accessible healthcare, Ong has garnered support from a wide range of voters who believe in his ability to address the pressing issues in the country’s healthcare system. His popularity is evident in the survey results, and it will be interesting to see how he maintains his momentum in the coming months.
As for Duterte, his decline from 48 percent to 38 percent in the survey is a notable setback. The decrease in support is particularly evident in the regions of North-Central Luzon (NCL) and South Luzon (SL), where his numbers dropped significantly. This decline could be attributed to various factors such as concerns over his controversial policies during his presidency or a desire for fresh faces in the political arena. Nonetheless, Duterte’s position as the father of Vice President Sara Duterte still holds considerable influence, and it remains to be seen how this will impact his campaign moving forward.
Other candidates in the survey also experienced shifts in their voter preference. ACT-CIS party-list representative Erwin Tulfo, Senators Bong Go, Vicente Sotto III, and Panfilo Lacson all received 32 percent of the vote. Notably, Go experienced a significant drop in support from December 2023. This decline could be attributed to various factors such as public perception of his performance or the emergence of new candidates who have captured the attention of voters.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, Senator Imee Marcos, and former Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso each received 27 percent of the vote. Dela Rosa’s support saw a decline in several regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR), North-Central Luzon (NCL), and South Luzon (SL). Similarly, Marcos experienced drops in NCL, SL, Visayas, and Mindanao. These shifts in support indicate that candidates need to carefully strategize their campaigns to appeal to voters across different regions.
Former Vice President Leni Robredo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. garnered 27 percent and 26 percent, respectively, indicating that they are still viable contenders in the race. Senator Pia Cayetano closed the top 12 with 23 percent, showcasing her consistent support among voters.
It is important to note that the Pahayag 2024 First Quarter Survey conducted by Publicus Asia is an independent and non-commissioned national survey. The survey was conducted by randomly sampling 1,500 registered Filipino voters through Purespectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with a multinational presence. With a sample-wide margin of error of +/- 3 percent, the survey provides valuable insights into the current political landscape and the preferences of Filipino voters.
As the senatorial elections draw nearer, these survey results serve as a crucial tool for candidates to assess their standing and refine their campaign strategies. The shifts in voter preference highlight the dynamic nature of politics and the need for candidates to connect with voters on a personal and policy level. The coming months will undoubtedly see intense campaigning and political maneuvering as candidates vie for the support of the Filipino electorate.
Insights into the Survey Results
The latest Publicus Asia survey results have provided valuable insights into the shifting dynamics of the 2025 senatorial race. The decline in support for former President Rodrigo Duterte is particularly noteworthy, especially in the regions of North-Central Luzon and South Luzon. These regions, which were once considered strongholds for Duterte, have shown a significant decrease in voter preference.
This decline in support for Duterte can be attributed to a variety of factors. One possible reason is the growing disillusionment among voters with his administration’s handling of key issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy. The survey results indicate that voters in these regions are now looking for alternative candidates who they believe can better address their concerns and deliver tangible results.
On the other hand, cardiologist Dr. Willie Ong’s emergence as the leading candidate highlights the appeal of fresh faces in Philippine politics. Ong’s background in healthcare and his dedication to public service seem to resonate with voters, as evidenced by his top-of-mind vote percentage. This surge in support for Ong can be seen as a reflection of the public’s desire for competent leaders who can effectively navigate the challenges facing the country.
The survey also sheds light on the changing fortunes of other potential candidates. Erwin Tulfo, who previously enjoyed a high level of voter preference, has experienced a decline in support. This could be due to a variety of factors, including controversies surrounding his past statements and actions. Similarly, Senator Bong Go and former senators Vicente Sotto III and Panfilo Lacson have maintained steady numbers, but have not seen significant increases in voter preference. This suggests that while they may have a solid base of supporters, they may struggle to expand their appeal beyond their core constituencies.
It is interesting to observe the decline in support for Senator Ronald Dela Rosa and Senator Imee Marcos in various regions. This suggests that their appeal may be waning among certain segments of the population. This decline could be attributed to a variety of factors, including concerns over their track records and perceived lack of experience in handling key issues. Conversely, former Vice President Leni Robredo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. have managed to maintain a consistent level of support, indicating that they have successfully cultivated a loyal base of supporters.
Overall, these survey results indicate a dynamic and unpredictable landscape for the 2025 senatorial elections. The shifting voter predispositions and the emergence of new candidates demonstrate the ever-evolving nature of Philippine politics. As the campaign season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop and whether any new contenders will emerge to challenge the current front-runners. The survey results serve as a reminder that in politics, nothing is set in stone, and the preferences of the electorate can change rapidly. Candidates will need to adapt their strategies and messages accordingly if they hope to secure victory in this highly competitive race.
About the Pahayag Survey
The Pahayag 2024 First Quarter Survey is conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. This independent and non-commissioned national survey aims to provide valuable insights into the opinions and preferences of registered Filipino voters.
To ensure a representative sample, Publicus Asia collaborates with Purespectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with a multinational presence. Purespectrum randomly samples 1,500 registered Filipino voters from its national panel of over 200,000 Filipinos. This approach ensures that the survey results are reflective of the broader population.
It is important to note that all surveys have a margin of error. In the case of the Pahayag survey, the sample-wide margin of error is +/- 3 percent. This means that the results should be interpreted with a degree of caution, considering the inherent variability that exists in any survey.
By conducting the Pahayag survey, Publicus Asia aims to contribute to the democratic process by providing valuable data and insights to both voters and candidates. The survey results serve as a barometer of public sentiment and can help shape the strategies and platforms of aspiring politicians.
In conclusion, the latest Publicus Asia survey results have revealed a significant shift in the rankings for the 2025 senatorial race. Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s slip to second place, alongside the emergence of new candidates like Dr. Willie Ong, highlights the dynamic nature of Philippine politics. As the campaign season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and shape the outcome of the upcoming senatorial elections.
Moreover, the Pahayag survey not only captures the current state of public opinion but also provides a historical perspective on trends and shifts in voter preferences. By conducting quarterly surveys, Publicus Asia is able to track changes over time and identify patterns that may influence future political landscapes.
One of the key advantages of the Pahayag survey is its comprehensive approach to data collection. In addition to asking respondents about their voting preferences, the survey also delves into various policy issues, social concerns, and economic outlook. This holistic approach allows for a deeper understanding of the factors that shape voter decision-making.
Furthermore, the Pahayag survey employs advanced statistical techniques to analyze the data and draw meaningful insights. Publicus Asia’s team of experienced statisticians and political analysts apply rigorous methodologies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the survey results. This commitment to methodological excellence sets the Pahayag survey apart from other polls and enhances its credibility among both policymakers and the general public.
In addition to its national scope, the Pahayag survey also includes regional breakdowns to capture the nuances and differences in voter preferences across different parts of the Philippines. This regional analysis provides a more granular understanding of the political landscape and allows for targeted campaign strategies that resonate with specific voter demographics.
Overall, the Pahayag survey is a valuable tool for political stakeholders, media organizations, and the general public alike. Its comprehensive approach, rigorous methodology, and commitment to transparency make it a trusted source of information in the Philippine political landscape. As the 2025 senatorial race unfolds, the insights provided by the Pahayag survey will continue to shape the strategies and narratives of candidates, ultimately influencing the outcome of the elections and the future direction of the country.
Source: The Manila Times
