Photo credit: Bongbong Marcos

With just a few weeks to go before the May 2025 national elections, nine administration-backed senatorial candidates are still sitting comfortably in the so-called “Magic 12,” based on the latest nationwide survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS), commissioned by the Stratbase Group.

The survey, conducted from April 11 to 15, tapped 1,800 registered voters across the country. When asked who they'd vote for if elections were held during that time, a clear trend emerged—familiar names continued to dominate. The poll has a ±2.31% margin of error.

Senator Bong Go came out as the top choice, earning 45% voter preference—up by three points from the previous month. Right on his heels was ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo with 43%.

The middle of the pack is a tight race, with just 2 to 3 percentage points separating the next batch of candidates—well within the survey’s margin of error. Senator Lito Lapid landed in 3rd with 34%, followed by former Senate President Tito Sotto and Senator Pia Cayetano, who both scored 33%, tying them at 4th and 5th.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa came in 6th at 32%, while Senator Bong Revilla and broadcaster Ben Tulfo shared the 7th and 8th spots, each getting 31%. Notably, Ben Tulfo saw a slip in rankings after a 3-point drop in support from the previous survey.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay climbed to 9th with 29%, and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar edged into the 10th spot with 28%. Both moved up from the 11th–13th cluster last month.

Former Senator Ping Lacson dropped a few spots, sliding to 11th place as his numbers dipped from 31% to 26%. Rounding out the top 12 is boxing champ-turned-politician Manny Pacquiao with 25%.

Just outside the winning circle are TV host Willie Revillame and Senator Imee Marcos, who are tied in 13th to 14th place at 24% each. Former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan followed with 21%, landing in the 15th to 16th ranks.

So what’s keeping admin bets at the top? According to Stratbase President Dindo Manhit, it’s a mix of visibility, familiarity, and good old-fashioned political machinery.

“Their incumbency and strong name recall—often built over the years in public office or media exposure—keep them top-of-mind for voters. Access to government machinery and well-organized local networks amplifies their visibility and reach, especially in the provinces, while media leverage, particularly among candidates with broadcasting backgrounds, ensures sustained exposure across platforms,” Manhit explained.

“Furthermore, their messaging often resonates with the public by focusing on continuity, helping Filipinos, and other populist themes—narratives that appeal to many voters seeking familiarity and perceived stability as election day approaches,” he added.

Still, Manhit called on voters to dig deeper and think critically about who they’re putting in office.

“Now is the time to critically examine each candidate’s track record, values, and platform. Who has truly served the public with integrity? Who offers clear, achievable solutions to the country’s pressing issues?” Manhit said.

“We have less than a month before the elections. Let’s use this time to make informed, thoughtful choices—because the quality of our next Senate will shape our future long after election day has passed,” he emphasized.