Pacman surges to 3rd spot in SWS poll

MANILA, Philippines - Boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao climbed to third spot in the latest senatorial survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

Pacquiao obtained 37 percent of votes from 1,800 respondents, who are validated voters. 

The poll was conducted from April 18 to 20 or after his victory against Timothy Bradley Jr. in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 10.

Pacquiao’s ratings dipped following the backlash generated by his statement that compared gays to animals. He previously placed fifth to seventh in the SWS survey.

He is the only candidate from the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) who has consistently entered the so-called Magic 12.

Reelectionist Sens. Franklin Drilon of the Liberal Party (LP) and Vicente Sotto III of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) continued to top the survey with 45 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

Former senator Francis Pangilinan (LP) ranked fourth with 36 percent. He is followed by independents Panfilo Lacson and Juan Miguel Zubiri, who both obtained 34 percent.

Former Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros shared the seventh to ninth slots with former justice secretary Leila de Lima and former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority chief Joel Villanueva with 33 percent each. All of them belong to the LP-led Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid.

Sen. Sergio Osmeña III landed in 10th place with 32 percent. He is followed by former senator Richard Gordon (independent) and Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian (NPC) with 30 percent each.

Sen. Teofisto Guingona III (LP) was outside the Senate winning circle with 27 percent.