NINE of the 15 candidates in the “likely winning circle” in the pre-election senatorial preference survey are backed by the Marcos government, according to research firm WR Numero.
“Rule of thumb in every intervention under the current political system: the advantage is always on the administration,” Julio C. Teehankee, a political science professor from De La Salle University, told a news briefing. “These individuals were selected by the administration because of their winnability.”
Party-list Rep. Erwin T. Tulfo and reelectionist Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go topped the list with 48.7% and 45.3%, respectively.
They were followed by former Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III with 37%, Senator Ronald M. Dela Rosa with 36.8% and Senator Pilar Juliana S. Cayetano wit 36.6%.
Broadcaster and independent candidate Bienvenido T. Tulfo (35.2%) and Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid (34.8%) were ranked six to seven, while ex-Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, Sr., ranked eighth with 33.8%, followed by Makati Mayor Mar-len Abigail S. Binay at No. 9 with 31.7%.
Administration bets Camille A. Villar got 29.8% and Senator Ramon “Bong” B. Revilla, Jr. got 29.5% for ranks 10-11, while former Senator Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV placed 12th with 28.5%.
Completing the “magic 15” were presidential sister Senator Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” R. Marcos with 26.4%, former Senator and boxing camp Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, Sr. with 26.1% and former Senator Francis Pancratius N. Pangilinan with 24.5%.
In Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, Mr. Tulfo was at the top with 49% and 59%, respectively, while in the Visayas, Mr. Go and Mr. Tulfo tied with 52%. In Mindanao, Mr. Dela Rosa was No.1 with 70%, trailed by Mr. Go with 63%.
“Looking at the survey results, it’s safe to say that the top two positions would be a toss-up between either Erwin Tulfo or Bong Go,” Mr. Teehankee said.
WR Numero interviewed 2,413 Filipino voters on April 23 to 30 for the poll, which had an error margin of ±2% points. — Almira Louise S. Martinez
