BROTHERS Erwin and Ben Tulfo ranked high among the leading senatorial candidates in a nationwide survey conducted in December, as they seek to join their brother Raffy in the Senate. 

A pre-election survey conducted by Oculum Research and Analytics and RMN Networks revealed Erwin Tulfo as the leading Senate pick among voters, with 70.8% of 1,200 respondents saying they’ll vote for him in May.

His brother, Ben Tulfo, earned 50.1% and tied for second to third with former Senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who garnered 52.3%. 

The range in the rankings is due to the survey’s margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. The poll, conducted nationwide on Dec. 16 to 22, had a 95% confidence level, according to Oculum.

“The presence of two Tulfo brothers, Erwin and Bienvenido, in the top three suggests the continuing resonance of the Tulfo brand, bolstered by their extensive media presence and public service advocacy,” Oculum’s report read.

Erwin and Ben also topped the awareness rankings, earning 92% and 79%, respectively. 

A former broadcast journalist, Erwin transitioned to government in 2022 when he was named secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. However, the Commission on Appointments blocked his appointment due to citizenship issues and a libel conviction. 

Erwin is part of the 19th Congress as representative of ACT-CIS partylist group. 

Ben is also a television and radio personality, known for his program, “BITAG.” In 2021, he was indicted for cyber libel due to defamatory remarks aired on his program.

Familiar names dominate Senate race

The Oculum survey showed familiar names dominating the Senate race. Out of the 13 candidates who have the possibility of entering the “Magic 12,” eight were either reelectionists or former senators vying for a return. 

Sen. Bong Revilla placed third to fifth with 49.2%, followed by Sen. Pia Cayetano at fourth to seventh with 46.9%. 

Boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao garnered 46.3% and placed fourth to eight, while Sen. Bong Go landed on fifth to eight with 44.4%. 

Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (43.8%) ranked sixth to eighth, followed by Makati Mayor Abby Binay (40.3%) at ninth to 11th. 

Former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (39.2%) and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar (37.5%) shared the ninth to 12th spots.

Television host Willie Revillame earned 36.2% to rank 10th to 12th, while Sen. Imee Marcos secured the 12th to 14th spot with 33.3%.

“The data reveals a mix of established political figures, popular personalities, and relative newcomers vying for the top 12 slots, reflecting the dynamic nature of Philippine politics,” Oculum’s report said.

The survey gathered responses from the National Capital Region (300), Balance of Luzon (300), Visayas (300), and Mindanao (300).

Oculum has UST faculty members Asst. Prof. Felipe Salvosa II and Manny Mogato as oversight board members and Assoc. Prof. Coronacion as political analyst. 

A total of 18,271 elected positions — including 12 Senate seats with six-year terms — will be decided in the 2025 midterm elections scheduled on May 12.

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