9 admin-backed bets in SWS ‘Magic 12’ weeks before polls

Metro Manila, Philippines - As the May 2025 national elections draw near, nine administration-backed senatorial candidates dominated the projected winning circle in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group.

The nationwide poll, conducted from April 11 to 15, surveyed 1,800 registered voters and found Senator Bong Go leading the race with 45% voter support—up by three percentage points from the previous month.

Close behind is ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, who ranked second with 43%.

Competition remains tight in the 3rd to 12th places, with margins of only 2 to 3 percentage points—well within the poll’s ±2.31% margin of error.

Senator Lito Lapid secured the third place with 34%, followed by former Senate President Tito Sotto and Senator Pia Cayetano, who tied for 4th and 5th with 33% each. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa came in 6th at 32%.

Senator Bong Revilla and broadcaster Ben Tulfo tied at 7th and 8th with 31%. Notably, Ben Tulfo fell from his previous 3rd-4th place ranking after a three-point drop in support.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay rose to 9th place with 29%, while Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar climbed to 10th with 28%. Both made gains from their 11th–13th spots last month.

Former Senator Ping Lacson dropped to 11th after his numbers slipped from 31% to 26%. Rounding out the top 12 is former Senator Manny Pacquiao with 25%.

Just outside the top tier are TV host Willie Revillame and Senator Imee Marcos, tied in 13th–14th place with 24% each.

Former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan followed, placing 15th–16th with 21% support apiece.