Philippines’ Bongbong Marcos widens lead over Leni Robredo in presidential race, poll shows

Ferdinand Marcos Jnr garnered a 44-point lead over Philippine Vice-President Leni Robredo in the January 19-24 survey by independent pollster Pulse Asia

Marcos’ running mate, Sara Duterte-Carpio, remained the top choice for vice-president, taking a 21-point lead over her closest rival, Senate President Vicente Sotto

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Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jnr at a rally in Bulacan province, north of Manila. Photo: AP

Published: 7:15pm, 13 Feb 2022

The son and namesake of late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos strengthened his lead over his closest rival ahead of the presidential election in May, results of a new poll released on Sunday showed.

Ferdinand Marcos Jnr garnered a 44-point lead over Philippine Vice-President Leni Robredo in the January 19-24 survey by independent pollster Pulse Asia, an 11-point increase compared with the previous poll in early December.

A total of 2,400 respondents were asked to pick their first choice for president and vice-president if the election were held during the survey period, with 60 per cent expressing preference for Marcos Jnr, while 16 per cent chose Robredo.

In the December poll with the same sample size, Marcos Jnr was on top with 53 per cent compared to Robredo’s 20 per cent.

Robredo narrowly defeated Marcos Jnr in the 2016 vice-presidential race.

Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and Manila city mayor Francisco Domagoso trailed, each getting 8 per cent, while Senator Panfilo Lacson took 4 per cent.

In the Philippines, the president and vice-president are elected separately.