MANILA, Philippines — A latest senatorial survey nationwide showed that ACT-SIS Partylist Erwin Tulfo emerged as the top choice among potential candidates for the 2025 midterm senatorial elections 

A recent survey by Oculum Research and Analytics Philippines revealed that 50 percent of respondents nationwide favored Rep. Erwin Tulfo as their choice for the 2025 midterm senatorial elections. The survey, which involved 1,200 participants, was evenly distributed across the country, with 300 respondents each from the National Capital Region (NCR), the rest of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Oculum Chief Political Analyst Dr. Dennis Coronacion attributed Rep. Erwin Tulfo’s popularity stems from his background as a media personality and his previous role as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), where he oversaw the implementation of the 4Ps program.

“Incidentally, the respondents in the Oculum third-quarter survey showed very strong support for the 4Ps program,” he said in the study.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is an anti-poverty program by the national government that provides monetary assistance to impoverished Filipino families.

“His topping the senatorial survey may also signify the public recognition of the Tulfo family name as a political brand,” he said.

Former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III ranked second in the survey, with 48 percent of respondents selecting him. According to Coronacion, Sotto’s popularity could be linked to the recent Eat Bulaga controversy, which gained him media attention and public support. 

The issue involved an employment dispute between the younger Jalosjos family and the show’s original hosts, including Sotto, who enjoyed strong backing from fans.  

Others who made it to the “Magic 12” include former President Rodrigo Duterte (3rd, 39 percent), incumbent senators Pia Cayetano (4th, 38 percent) and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (5th, 32 percent), former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (6th, 31 percent), Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto (7th, 28 percent), and TV host Willie Revillame (8th, 27 percent).  

Coronacion noted that Duterte’s strong showing in the top five may reflect public support for his administration’s policies, particularly his firm stance against criminal activities and illegal drugs, amid reports of rising crime in the country.

Former vice-presidential candidate Willie Ong, Senator Lito Lapid, and former senator Manuel Villar tied for 9th to 11th places, each with 26 percent support. Former senator and presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao ranked 12th with 24 percent.  

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. came in 13th with 22 percent, putting him close to the winning circle. 

Sharing the 14th to 16th spots with 20 percent each were former Manila mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Senator Imee Marcos, and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

In the latest survey, several well-known figures fell outside the Magic 12. Former senators Gringo Honasan, Mar Roxas, and Kiko Pangilinan garnered 19 percent, 19 percent, and 18 percent support, respectively. 

Former vice presidents Jejomar Binay and Leni Robredo followed with 18 percent and 17 percent, while former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista received 14 percent. 

Other notable figures included former senator Richard Gordon with 12 percent and former Palace spokesman Harry Roque with 11 percent.