Pulse Asia Research reported that both the Marcos administration and the Duterte-aligned opposition failed to effectively sway public sentiment in their favor during the midterm elections, despite their formidable political machinery.
According to Pulse Asia’s latest post-election analysis, support for Marcos-endorsed candidates declined significantly in key regions such as Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and even in the President’s traditional bailiwicks—Ilocos Region and Eastern Visayas.
The survey firm noted that this dip indicates the administration’s campaign apparatus was unable to translate its influence into votes.
On the other end of the political spectrum, the Duterte bloc also faced waning support, particularly in Mindanao, a region long considered a Duterte stronghold.
“From these trends, it appears that the political machinery of both the Marcos administration and the Duterte opposition struggled to sustain or expand support for their respective candidates,” it said.
The research group also pointed out that while eight eventual winners had consistently ranked high in their pre-election May survey, other victors outperformed expectations, particularly those running as independents or under progressive banners.
One of the biggest surprises was senator-elect Bam Aquino, who finished second in the final tally. In Pulse Asia’s May survey, Aquino garnered 32.8 percent–a figure comparable to Bong Revilla’s 32.3 percent, who did not win.
Other candidates who defied earlier survey standings included senators-elect Kiko Pangilinan, Rodante Marcoleta, Erwin Tulfo, and Lito Lapid—all of whom showed upward momentum in pre-election tracking polls.
Their final vote shares further demonstrated how voter preferences shifted significantly in the weeks before the election.
