BROADCASTER Raffy Tulfo and three-term senator Loren Legarda are virtually tied for the top spot in the most recent Pulse Asia Senatorial Preference Survey.Conducted from April 16-21, 2022, the Pulse Asia poll showed Tulfo with a 50.4 percent voter preference, closely followed by Legarda at 49.4 percent. With only a one percent difference, the two candidates are virtually tied at first and second places in the so-called “Magic 12.”Completing the list of the top 12 preferred senatorial candidates: action star Robin Padilla with 42.9 percent; Taguig Representative Alan Peter Cayetano – 42.3 percent; Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero 38.6 percent; Senator Win Gatchalian – 37 percent; Senator Migz Zubiri – 37 percent; former public works secretary Mark Villar – 35.9 percent; former senator JV Ejercito – 34.3 percent; former Vice President Jojo Binay – 32.5 percent; Senator Risa Hontiveros – 32.3 percent; and former senator Jinggoy Estrada – 32.3 percent.With only a week to go before the May 9 elections, Legarda and Tulfo are consistently ahead in the monthly senatorial survey preferences of different polling outfits.Legarda had a strong showing in all three surveys conducted by Pulse Asia, Octa Research and Pulso ng Pilipino.The non-commissioned Pulso ng Pilipino survey by the Issues and Advocacy Center (The Center) conducted on April 4 to 15 showed Legarda as the top choice among the 2,440 respondents polled from the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Regions.The comebacking senator and current Antique congresswoman registered a high 60 percent, chalking a two percent lead over Sorsogon Governor Francis Escudero who placed second with 58 percent.Recent poll surveys conducted by various organizations had Legarda’s name either lodged at number one of number two, indicating that the lawmaker’s 2022 senatorial bid might put her again at her usual top spot like in past Senate races.Despite peaking at the right time before election day, Legarda said that while the survey results boosted her confidence, it will also serve to inspire her and her staff to campaign harder.”We want to reach more Filipinos so we can present our legislative platform that is committed toward recovery and progress amidst the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.In a press statement, The Center said: “The Pulso ng Pilipino survey covered registered voters in all socio-economic classes A,B, C, D and E that were selected at random with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years old.” (PR)