Marcos leads, Robredo gains in Philippine presidential poll

[MANILA] Former Philippine Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr kept his lead in the presidential race even as his closest rival, Vice-President Leni Robredo gained ground, according to last month's survey by pollster Pulse Asia Research.

The late dictator's son was favoured by 56 per cent of respondents, down from 60 per cent in February. Robredo got 24 per cent, up from 15 per cent previously, while third-placer Manila Mayor Isko Moreno got 8 per cent. The survey of 2,400 adults nationwide was conducted from Mar 17 to 21. The election will be held on May 9.

Robredo's numbers rose by double digits in areas on the main island of Luzon excluding the capital, as well as among the middle class. Moreno, meanwhile, remained the top alternate choice should any of the candidates discontinue their presidential bid.

The survey was done around the time of the presidential debate organised by the poll body, which Marcos skipped. The key national events during survey period also included oil price increases due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Marcos's running mate and the president's daughter, similarly kept her lead in the vice-presidential race, favoured by 56 per cent of respondents. Her closest rival, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto, was at 20 per cent. BLOOMBERG