Senator Robin Padilla and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto have secured the top spots among prospective contenders for the 2028 senatorial race, according to the latest nationwide poll conducted by Pulse Asia.
The survey, administered between June 28 and July 6, positioned Padilla at the head of the pack with a voter preference score of 48.4 percent. Sotto, nephew of former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, trailed closely in second place with 47.9 percent support.
Despite their strong performance in the early polling, both figures have previously indicated different career trajectories following their current mandates. Sotto has reiterated that he does not intend to seek higher office once his third term as Pasig chief executive concludes in 2028.
Similarly, Padilla has ruled out seeking re-election to the upper chamber, expressing a preference to act as campaign manager for Vice President Sara Duterte, who has declared her intent to pursue the presidency.
Joining the top tier of prospective winning candidates were Senator Raffy Tulfo at 43.9 percent, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano with 43.2 percent, Senator Loren Legarda at 40.3 percent, and former senator Manny Pacquiao with 35.6 percent.
Other public figures capturing viable shares within the theoretical winning threshold include Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Senator Mark Villar, media personality Ben Tulfo, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and television host Willie Revillame.
Rounding out the list of likely victors if the ballot were held today are Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor, former senator Mar Roxas, Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid.
Meanwhile, several potential contenders were highlighted as candidates who could build momentum in subsequent surveys, including actor Philip Salvador, singer-turned-attorney Jimmy Bondoc, Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.