Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan’s success in the 2025 midterm elections reflected trends already seen in a late Pulse Asia survey, the research firm said Monday.
Conducted from May 6 to 9, just days before the May 12 vote, the survey placed Aquino in 5th and Pangilinan in 11th place at best, suggesting their victories were foreseeable. Aquino scored 32.8%, while Pangilinan had 25.1%, both within striking distance of the official results—37.5% and 27.5%, respectively.
Pulse Asia noted that while some viewed their wins as surprising, the data indicated otherwise. Both candidates showed late-stage momentum, gaining 4.8 (Aquino) and 2.4 (Pangilinan) percentage points from survey to final tally.
In regional results, Aquino made gains in 11 regions, including +20 points in Region 4A and +14 in NCR. Pangilinan saw increases in 9 regions, notably +9 in the Negros Island Region and +7 in BARMM.
Other notable gainers included Rep. Rodante Marcoleta and progressive candidates like Heidi Mendoza, Luke Espiritu, Liza Maza, and France Castro, who outperformed their pre-election poll standings.
Pulse Asia concluded that voters remained independent in their choices, with many making final decisions the day before or on election day. The agency rejected the notion that surveys dictate voter behavior, asserting instead that voter sentiment drives survey results.