SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Despite low placements in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) senatorial survey, three administration-endorsed Senate candidates expressed optimism and vowed to push forward with their campaigns for Eleksyon 2025.
Senator Francis Tolentino, seeking reelection, shrugged off his 21st-place ranking, citing similar polling trends during his successful 2019 run.
“I’m not worried. It was the same back in 2019—and I still won,” Tolentino said in an ambush interview during a local campaign rally.
He also dismissed rumors of returning to PDP-Laban, his former political party under former President Rodrigo Duterte, calling them baseless “intrigues.” Tolentino said he left the party due to policy disagreements on China.
Tolentino also denied responsibility for a pro-Duterte post recently shared through his dormant Instagram account, claiming it was hacked.
“That wasn’t me. My account has been inactive for over a year and a half,” he clarified.
Abalos Cites Track Record Amid Lower Rankings
Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., who ranked 17th to 18th in the April SWS survey, said fluctuations in polling are part of the democratic process.
“Surveys vary—what matters is that the people decide on election day,” Abalos said.
He encouraged voters to examine his credentials and record, including his roles as mayor, MMDA chairman during the COVID-19 pandemic, and DILG chief. He also pointed to his involvement in the P33.8 billion drug seizures and high-profile arrests of Apollo Quiboloy and former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
“My credentials are clean and well-documented. I hope voters will look closely,” he added.
Pacquiao: Focus on Grassroots and Platform
Former senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, currently sitting at 12th place, also downplayed the impact of surveys.
“Surveys are not the focus. I’ll keep moving, working hard, and letting people hear our platform—especially our programs for the poor,” Pacquiao said.
He emphasized the importance of direct engagement with voters, saying hard work and visibility on the ground matter more than numbers.
Tulfo Maintains Strong Standing, Supports Allies
Meanwhile, Erwin Tulfo, currently in second place, said he remains “happy” with his performance in the surveys but remains focused on outreach.
“It’s not about being number one. What matters is delivering results. It would be shameful to be on top and not perform in the Senate,” Tulfo said.
He also pledged to continue campaigning not only for himself but for fellow Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas candidates lagging behind in the rankings.
“I won’t be complacent. This isn’t just a personal campaign—I’ll help boost our team,” he added.
Pampanga Rally Gathers Admin Senate Slate Support
The provincial government of Pampanga hosted four local rallies in support of the 11-man Alyansa slate, all of whom were endorsed by Governor Dennis Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia Pineda. Only Panfilo “Ping” Lacson was absent from the day’s events.
As the campaign trail heats up, administration-backed candidates are banking on local support, personal outreach, and performance records to defy early survey predictions.