SWS survey boosts support for Marcos admin’s Senate bets – lawmaker
A brief scene during Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ rally in Laoag City in February 2025.— INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA — The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on Filipinos’ senatorial candidate preference regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute strengthens public support for the Marcos administration’s Senate slate, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. said Sunday.
The SWS survey, conducted from February 15 to 19, found that 78 percent of Filipinos prefer candidates who assert the country’s rights in the WPS amid China’s aggressive actions.
The survey also found that preference for candidates who support the Philippines’ claims in the WPS was highest in Metro Manila at 87 percent and lowest in Mindanao at 67 percent.
Gonzales said the survey results indicate a strong backing for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s senatorial ticket, increasing their chances of victory over “Team China” and “those associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte.”
“The survey proves that the people strongly support the candidates of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas. They are the ones who make up Team Pilipinas,” he said in Filipino.
He added that the poll results also reinforced the advantage of administration candidates over those linked to Duterte, whom he associated with pro-China policies.
Gonzales also recalled that Marcos clearly distinguished his candidates from those of the opposition during the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign launch in Ilocos Norte on February 11.
READ: Marcos on admin slate: They’re not tainted by tokhang, Pogo, pro-China
During the event, Marcos emphasized that none of his endorsed senatorial candidates are pro-China or support Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), which he has outlawed.
“None of them applaud China or feel pleased when we are being water cannoned, our Coast Guard rammed, our fishermen blocked, their catch stolen, and our islands seized as part of their territory,” he said in Filipino.
“None of them act like the acolyte of a false prophet who is now suffering the consequences of his abuse of our youth and women. None of them defend crime hubs and centers of exploitation of women—like the Pogos,” he added.
READ: SWS survey: Tulfo, 7 other administration bets in Senate top 12
Gonzales also cited previous surveys showing that nine in 10 Filipinos do not trust China, reinforcing public rejection of candidates perceived to be aligned with Beijing.
“If our people do not trust the Chinese, they will not trust China’s defenders,” he added.
The SWS survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Group, polled 1,800 registered voters nationwide, including 300 from Metro Manila, 900 from Balance Luzon (Luzon outside Metro Manila), 300 from the Visayas, and 300 from Mindanao.
