9 Administration-Backed Senatorial Candidates Secure Top 12 Spots in OCTA Survey

Nine of the top 12 preferred candidates in the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) senatorial survey are part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration slate ahead of the 2025 elections.

According to the survey conducted by OCTA Research from November 10 to 16, 2024, ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, running under the Marcos administration slate, secured the top spot with 73% voter preference.

Participants were asked: “If the May 2025 elections were held today, who would you likely vote for as senator?” Respondents were allowed to choose up to 12 candidates.

Media personality and independent candidate Ben Tulfo followed closely in second place with 66%, while former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, also backed by the administration, took third place with 63%. Reelectionist Senator Christopher Go, running under the PDP-Laban party, garnered 52%, placing him in fourth.

Rounding out the top 12 were administration-backed candidates, including incumbent Senators Pia Cayetano and Ramon Revilla Jr., who each received 49%; former senators Panfilo Lacson (47%) and Manny Pacquiao (38%); Senators Lito Lapid (36%) and Francis Tolentino (32%); and former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., who completed the group with 30%.

Senator Imee Marcos, the president’s sister, garnered 41%, placing her in eighth.

The survey, conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents nationwide, has a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. (PNA)