By: Villamor C. Visaya Jr.
(Published in its print edition on April 19 – 25, 2025)
JUST few days before the May 12 midterm elections, senatorial bets are jockeying for position as they continue to earn public support.
As can be gleaned from the latest OCTA Research survey, a tight race for the “Magic 12” in the recent non-commissioned poll conducted from April 10 to 16 this year.
It shows 19 candidates with statistical chances of securing a Senate seat come May 12.
Leading the pack is reelectionist Senator Bong Go, who received the support of 64.2 percent of the respondents and closely followed by ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo with 61.2 percent.
Erwin’s brother, media practitioner Ben Tulfo (45.4 percent) was third while former Senate president Vicente Sotto III (43.3 percent), Sen. Ronald dela Rosa (40.4 percent), former senator Panfilo Lacson (39.7 percent), Sen. Pia Cayetano (39.5 percent), Sen. Bong Revilla (38.7 percent), Sen. Lito Lapid (36.9 percent), Makati Mayor Abby Binay (35.7 percent), and former senator Bam Aquino (32.3 percent) are also shoo-ins.
Surprisingly, billionaire Manny Villar’s daughter, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar (30.4 percent), and former senators Manny Pacquiao (30.3 percent) and Francis Pangilinan (30.3 percent) are lagging behind from 10th to 18th spots.
However, do not count out television host Willie Revillame (29 percent), former interior secretary Benhur Abalos (28.8 percent), Sen. Imee Marcos (27.9 percent), Sen. Francis Tolentino (27.7 percent), and actor Phillip Salvador (24.4 percent) as they have statistical chances of winning, according to the survey.
This is not the overall face of statistical trends nationwide, but it gives us the impression that popular, not necessarily more moneyed, politicians are making names for themselves.
Others usually win by plain luck while others sweat and gamble much, much money.
Very interesting to watch the outcome soon.
*****
“Bridges, not walls.”
Timely pleas from Pope Francis before his death and echoed by his peers.
His funeral brought thousands of Roman Catholics and even non-sectarian followers to sympathize with the people.
This is a strong message to political leaders worldwide.#
