Senators Raffy Tulfo and Robin Padilla, along with Alan Peter Cayetano and Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, lead a hypothetical 2028 senatorial race in a non-commissioned OCTA Research survey. Multiple outlets report the top candidates are statistically tied, with the survey placing them at the highest level of voter preference.

The articles also differ slightly in emphasis on who is first. GMA News and Philstar report a statistical tie among the four candidates at the top. Inquirer also bases its story on the same OCTA “Tugon ng Masa” survey results but describes Tulfo as moving ahead of Padilla in the latest findings.

Across coverage, the survey’s framing is consistent: respondents are shown a list of potential candidates and asked who they would likely vote for as senators if the May 2028 elections were held at the time of the survey. The outlets cite that the survey was conducted from September 28 to October 4, 2026, and that respondents could choose up to 12 names.