Photo credit: Bong Go

With just a few days left before Filipinos head to the polls, Pulse Asia Research, Inc. has given us a peek into the pulse of the nation with their April 2025 Pulso ng Bayan Pre-Electoral National Survey—and let’s just say, the Senate race is heating up.

Conducted from April 20 to 24, 2025, the survey tapped 2,400 adult respondents through face-to-face interviews across the country. With a ±2% national error margin, this snapshot offers a clear look at how Filipinos are leaning as the May 12 midterm elections draw near.

So, who’s topping the list? None other than Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who’s enjoying a strong solo lead with 62.2% of voter support. That’s quite a leap ahead of the competition. Following him, tied in the 2nd to 4th spots, are Erwin Tulfo (42.4%), Tito Sotto (41.1%), and Senator Bato dela Rosa (41.0%)—all familiar names in the political scene.

Also in the top half of the race are Ramon Revilla Jr., Panfilo Lacson, Ben Tulfo, Senator Lito Lapid, and Mayor Abby Binay, who’s proving to be a rising political figure. Meanwhile, rounding out the bottom half of the top 14 are Pia Cayetano, Willie Revillame, Camille Villar, Manny Pacquiao, and Bam Aquino—all with a statistical shot at a Senate seat if elections were held today.

Interestingly, most voters are still short of a full 12-senator slate. On average, they’re supporting eight candidates, with only 27% listing a complete lineup. This suggests that many are still weighing their options or waiting for final debates and campaign efforts to tip the scales.

But beyond the numbers, this survey was conducted amid significant national developments. From high-stakes military drills in the West Philippine Sea and the ICC case against former President Duterte, to election-related violence and the untimely passing of Pope Francis on April 21, the political climate is buzzing.

COMELEC has had its hands full, too—deploying automated counting machines and ballots, dealing with disqualification cases, and calling for peace following two high-profile campaign-related shootings. Add in cyber threats and troll farm allegations tied to foreign interference, and the pressure for a clean, credible election is higher than ever.

Still, Pulse Asia reminds everyone that their surveys are independent and uncommissioned—conducted solely by their pool of academic fellows, free from any political or partisan influence.

With so much at stake and just days to go, these survey results offer a snapshot, not a final verdict. In a democracy, every vote still counts—and things could shift dramatically as May 12 draws nearer.