Tulfo bros tag-team the Senate race

National

IF THE midterm elections were held today, the Philippine Senate will have two more Tulfos.

This after two brothers of incumbent Sen. Raffy Tulfo surged to the forefront of the Senate preference poll conducted by OCTA Research from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.

House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo leads with 60% of respondents backing his bid, closely followed by his brother, media personality Ben Tulfo, at 57%.

Their rise introduces a new dynamic in a race historically dominated by political veterans, such as former Senate president Vicente Sotto III (50%) and Sen. Bong Go (49%), who continue to be strong contenders.

Despite a decline in popularity, former president Rodrigo Duterte remains a formidable presence, securing 33% and a place in the coveted "Magic 12."

Also securing top spots are notable names like former senator Panfilo Lacson (44%), Sen. Bong Revilla (44%), Sen. Pia Cayetano (35%), and Sen. Francis Tolentino (34%). Senators Imee Marcos and Lito Lapid also remain competitive, both polling at 33% alongside Duterte.

Hovering just outside the top 12 but still within reach are Sen. Ronald dela Rosa (29%), Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos (28%), and social media figure Dr. Willie Ong (28%). Meanwhile, opposition leaders like former senators Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, as well as human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, are struggling with support below 10%.

The survey points to an unpredictable political climate, with speculation swirling around Duterte's potential candidacy alongside his sons after the dissolution of the UniTeam alliance between President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte. New potential contenders, including Makati Mayor Abby Binay, TV host Willie Revillame, and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, are adding further intrigue to the evolving electoral race.

The non-commissioned survey, which sampled 1,200 respondents, has a margin of error of plus or minus three percent.(MyTVCebu)