In a surprise result, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno ranked No. 2—behind only Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto—in Publicus Asia’s latest voter preference survey for the 2028 senatorial elections, released by the political research firm owned by strategist Malou Tiquia.
The Oct. 1 to 4 poll gave Sotto a 39% voting predisposition and a 33% trust rating, while Diokno followed with 28% voting predisposition and 23% trust.
Diokno’s strong showing marks a notable jump from other recent surveys. In OCTA Research’s Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, 2026 poll, he did not make the top 30, while Tangere’s June 23 to 27 survey placed him in the 12th to 16th range with 20.3%.
Publicus Asia’s findings also carry weight after the firm was the only one that correctly identified opposition figures Sen. Bam Aquino and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan as strong contenders in 2025 surveys ahead of their electoral victories.
The latest Publicus results place Sotto and Diokno, both opposition-leaning figures, ahead of incumbent senators, former senators and other nationally known political personalities based on the firm’s latest voter preference and trust measurements.
Behind Sotto and Diokno, former Sen. Grace Poe, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano tied with 23% voting predisposition each. Poe recorded 15% trust, Duterte 17% and Cayetano 15%.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo followed with 22% voting predisposition and 12% trust, while former Sen. Leila de Lima posted 21% and 15%, respectively.
Sen. Robin Padilla and former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro both received 20% voting predisposition. Padilla posted a 15% trust rating, while Teodoro had 12%.
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero ranked 10th with 19% voting predisposition and 10% trust. Former Commission on Audit Chairperson Heidi Mendoza and physician Willie Ong completed Publicus Asia’s top 12.
The survey covered 1,581 respondents and measured both trust in potential senatorial candidates and voting preference if the May 2028 elections were held during the survey period.
