A commissioned Pulse Asia survey has placed Vice President Sara Duterte ahead in voter preference for the 2028 presidential contest, though the figures suggest Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo is gradually narrowing the distance between them.
When respondents were asked to choose between the two in a direct matchup, 51 percent sided with Duterte and 41 percent with Robredo. The remaining eight percent either had no preference or declined to back either figure. The fieldwork ran from May 3 to 7 and was commissioned by the Stratbase Group.
Regional breakdowns showed sharp contrasts. Duterte held overwhelming ground in Mindanao, drawing 91 percent there, and led in the Visayas at 50 percent to Robredo’s 46 percent. Robredo, however, captured majority backing across the rest of Luzon with 55 percent against Duterte’s 33 percent, and ran nearly even in Metro Manila, where she took 46 percent to the Vice President’s 48 percent.
Stratbase president Dindo Manhit pointed to the broader takeaway from the numbers. “What this survey also underscores is the importance of building a solid and united opposition,” he said.
The two figures have signaled different paths forward. Duterte, currently facing an impeachment complaint, has stated she intends to seek higher office. Robredo, who was defeated in the 2022 presidential race, has said she would rather stay on as Naga’s mayor.
The poll also examined the race for vice president. Sen. Erwin Tulfo drew more support than Sen. Robin Padilla, 46 percent to 38 percent. Against Sen. Bong Go, however, Tulfo fell behind, taking 42 percent to Go’s 47 percent.
The survey covered 1,500 respondents and carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.
