Vice President Sara Duterte remains the top choice for president in the 2028 elections despite facing an ongoing impeachment trial, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey released on Wednesday, July 22.
The survey, conducted from June 28 to July 3, found that 49% of Filipino adults would vote for Duterte if the presidential election were held during the survey period. She held a wide lead over Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo, who garnered 26%, while Senator Raffy Tulfo ranked third with 14%. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong each received 1%, while MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III got 0.1%.
Strong Regional Support
Duterte posted her strongest numbers in Mindanao, where she earned 87% support. She also led in the Visayas with 53% and among Class E respondents with 59%.
Pulse Asia said 4% of respondents remained undecided, another 4% would not support any of the candidates presented, while 1% declined to answer. The polling firm also tested five alternative presidential matchups involving additional personalities, with Duterte emerging as the preferred candidate in every scenario.
Survey Released Amid Impeachment Trial
The results come as Duterte faces impeachment proceedings over allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and graft, and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Despite the case, the survey indicates Duterte continues to enjoy strong voter support heading into the 2028 race.
For the vice presidency, Senator Bong Go topped the survey with 27%, followed by Senator Robin Padilla with 21%. Senator Bam Aquino and former Senator Grace Poe each received 14%, Senator Erwin Tulfo got 9%, Senator Francis Pangilinan received 4%, while Torre registered 0.5%.
The survey also found that 89% of Filipinos are interested in participating in the May 2028 elections.
Pulse Asia interviewed 2,400 adults through face-to-face interviews. The survey has a ±2% margin of error at the 95% confidence level, while regional estimates carry a ±4% margin of error.
