Marcos Jr. Rules the Election Warm-up
In a recent Pulse Asia survey of 2,400 respondents, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. – the grandson of the former Philippine dictator – is cruising ahead in the 2025 presidential race with a whopping 53 % of the votes. His right‑hand guy, Sara Duterte‑Carpio, the daughter of the long‑time president, tops the vice‑presidential poll at 45 %. It’s a clean sweep for the dynastic duo.
How the Poll Was Run
- The survey ran from Dec 1‑6, asking participants to name their first‑choice for president and vice‑president if the polls were held during that period.
- In the Philippines, the two offices are elected separately.
- The final election is set for May 9, as President Raul Duterte is constitutionally barred from a second term.
Marcos Family: Dynastic Prowess
The Marcos clan remains one of the country’s most storied families. Even after the 2016 “fall from grace”, they’ve kept tight‑knit political ties and loyal backing in their power base – the stronghold of Ilocos Norte.
One reason he’s attracting a modern crowd is his flashy social‑media strategy that targets the youth – half of the electorate who were born after his grandfather’s rule.
Who’s the Competition?
- Leni Robredo, the current vice‑president, lags at 20 %.
- Manila city mayor Francisco Domagoso – 8 %
- Former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao – 8 %
Marcos’ 53 % is a record for any presidential candidate since Pulse Asia started polling. The previous high was Benigno Aquino III, who captured 45 % in a 2009 survey and won a decade later.
Political Analyst’s Take
Ramon Casiple reminds us that early poll dominance doesn’t guarantee a victory. Take Duterte’s 2016 campaign – he was a latecomer, yet he surged to the top of the polls just a month before the May election.
Legal Storm?
Some groups have tried to bar Marcos from the race because of a nearly three‑decade‑old tax‑evasion conviction. His spokesperson slammed the attempts as “propaganda.”
All in all, the stage is set: Marcos Jr. or no, the Filipino voters have a lot to decide for the next 2025 cycle.
