MANILA: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies ranked higher in a survey on preferred senatorial candidates for the May midterm elections conducted after the ex-leader’s arrest last month.
Duterte’s former top aide, Senator Christopher "Bong” Go (pic), remained as the most preferred senatorial aspirant in an end-March survey by pollster Pulse Asia Research Inc. released Friday (April 11).
The share of respondents who said they will vote for him rose to nearly 62% from 58% in a February poll.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who served as Duterte’s top cop, rose to third place from fifth previously.
While politicians aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. comprised eight of the potential 12 winners based on the survey, two other Duterte-aligned candidates - actor Phillip Salvador and Congressman Rodante Marcoleta - now have shots at winning after trailing in the previous poll.
The survey was conducted on 2,400 adults on March 23 to 29, or weeks after Duterte was arrested and turned over to the International Criminal Court by Marcos’ government to face allegations of crimes against humanity for his deadly drug war. Duterte has denied a direct hand in the killings.
Duterte arrest raises stakes in clash for control of Philippines
The results of next month’s midterm elections are also politically important for Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, whose impeachment case will be judged by the winning senators. - Bloomberg
