Two women who previously held the country’s second-highest elected office appear to be emerging as leading contenders in the 2028 presidential race, based on the results of a recent survey.
A Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Stratbase showed Vice President Sara Duterte holding an advantage over former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo in a hypothetical one-on-one presidential matchup.
The survey, conducted from May 3 to 7, found Duterte receiving a 51 percent voter preference rating, compared to 41 percent for Robredo.
The contest was particularly competitive in two major regions. In the National Capital Region, Duterte garnered 48 percent support while Robredo received 46 percent. In the Visayas, Duterte posted a 50 percent preference rating against Robredo’s 46 percent.
Robredo, however, held a commanding lead in Balance Luzon, where she obtained 55 percent support compared to Duterte’s 33 percent.
Duterte maintained overwhelming backing in Mindanao, widely regarded as her political stronghold, securing 91 percent voter preference versus Robredo’s 7 percent.
Earlier this year, Duterte publicly announced her intention to seek the presidency in the 2028 national elections despite the impeachment proceedings she is expected to face before the Senate.
Robredo, meanwhile, has repeatedly stated that she has no plans to run for president again in 2028. Instead, she said she intends to seek a second term as mayor of Naga City.
Despite her pronouncements, some of her allies in the Liberal Party continue to express hope that she may reconsider and eventually enter the presidential race.