Sara Duterte remains top choice for president in 2028, Pulse Asia survey shows

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 12, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Maria Tan

Vice President Sara Duterte continues to lead Filipinos’ preferences for president in the 2028 elections, according to the latest nationwide survey by Pulse Asia, with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Senator Raffy Tulfo trailing in the rankings.

The survey, conducted from September 17 to 24 among 2,400 respondents, found that 50 percent of Filipino adults would vote for Duterte if the presidential election were held during the survey period.

Robredo received 26 percent of voter preference, followed by Tulfo with 12 percent. Senator Risa Hontiveros garnered 3 percent, while Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon each received 1 percent. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong registered 0.3 percent.

The results indicate that Duterte maintains a lead in the hypothetical presidential preference list, although the election remains nearly two years away and voter preferences may change before the May 2028 polls.

Pulse Asia’s findings also showed differences across regions and socioeconomic groups. Duterte received particularly strong support in Mindanao, while Robredo remained competitive in Metro Manila and led in the rest of Luzon in a separate comparison reported from the survey.

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go topped the vice presidential preference list with 31 percent. Senators Robin Padilla and Bam Aquino followed with 19 percent and 17 percent, respectively. Former senator Grace Poe received 14 percent, while Senator Erwin Tulfo garnered 10 percent.

The survey comes as political figures and potential contenders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2028 national elections. However, the results reflect respondents’ preferences at the time of the survey and do not determine the eventual outcome of the race.