MANILA — Former Senator Grace Poe has taken the leading spot in Pulse Asia’s latest nationwide poll for potential senatorial contenders ahead of the May 2028 elections, capturing a voter preference rating of 50.2%.
The nationwide survey, part of Pulse Asia’s Ulat ng Bayan poll, was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 2,400 adult respondents from September 17 to 24 and released on Monday, October 12.
Poe, who was absent from the research body’s previous survey iteration held in late June to early July, surged directly to first place.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano climbed to the second spot with a score of 46.5%, up from 43.2% previously, shifting his statistical ranking from third–fifth to first–fourth. Meanwhile, former front-runner Senator Robin Padilla slipped to third place after garnering 45.9%, down from his previous 48.4% rating.
Senator Raffy Tulfo maintained a strong standing with 44.4% (ranking second–fourth), followed by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte entering the list at 37.2% (fifth–sixth range), and National Anti-Poverty Commission Lead Convenor Manny Pacquiao at 36.5% (sixth–seventh range).
Other prominent figures in the probable winners’ circle include Senator Loren Legarda (33%), former Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay (31.7%), Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero (30.1%), and Education Secretary Sonny Angara (26.3%).
Additional names tested in the 66-candidate pool featured broadcaster Ben Tulfo (21.5%), TIEZA official Mark Lapid (19.8%), Senator Jinggoy Estrada (18.2%), TV host Willie Revillame (17.7%), and former Representative Mike Defensor (16.9%).
Several figures from the previous survey—such as Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Senator Mark Villar, former Senator Mar Roxas, and Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos—were omitted from the September list.
Pulse Asia highlighted that current or former members of Congress dominate the roster of probable winners, noting that out of 66 evaluated personalities, 15 have a statistical chance of securing a Senate seat.
“Among the 66 individuals included in the senatorial electoral probe, 15 make it to the list of probable winners. Most of those with a statistical chance of winning are either former or current members of Congress,” Pulse Asia stated.
The research group also emphasized that the study was carried out independently without commission from any political organization.