PRESIDENTIAL POLL: Sara remains frontrunner but lead declines as Leni Robredo surges

National

DWINDLING but still dominant, Vice President Sara Duterte continues to lead early preferences for the 2028 presidential race, though a sharp rise in backing for Leni Robredo signals shifting voter sentiment, according to OCTA Research.

The non-commissioned survey, conducted from March 19 to 25 included 26 possible presidential candidates.

Duterte remained the top choice with 33 percent support, down from 38 percent in the previous quarter. Despite the drop, she continues to lead the early preference race.

Robredo climbed to 21 percent from 8 percent previously, marking a 13-point surge that placed her second overall and made her the biggest gainer in the latest survey.

In an interview with local radio Asintado sa Radyo, Robredo reiterated her decision to stay out of the 2028 national race and focus on local governance in Naga City.

“It is clear that this is where I will retire,” she said, referring to Naga City.

Other contenders also posted mixed results. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno ranked third with 10 percent, up from 8 percent.

Senator Raffy Tulfo followed with 9 percent, down from 12 percent, while Senator Bam Aquino held steady at 4 percent.

The remaining respondents were divided among other unnamed candidates in OCTA’s 26-name list, while 3 percent remained undecided.

OCTA stressed that the findings reflect early-stage sentiment and are not predictive of election outcomes, describing the results as a snapshot that may still shift depending on political developments, alliances, and national issues.

In a related development, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan reacted to Robredo’s earlier mention of him as a potential 2028 presidential contender, thanking her for the confidence while expressing hope that she reconsiders her decision not to run.

Pangilinan, who was Robredo’s 2022 vice presidential running mate, said it is still early in the electoral cycle and reiterated that her participation would remain significant in any future political landscape.(MyTVCebu)