Senator Robin Padilla’s continued dominance in Pulse Asia’s senatorial preference surveys is largely driven by his strong support base among Duterte supporters and his perceived connection with ordinary Filipinos.

Speaking in an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, Pulse Asia President Ronald Holmes said Padilla maintains his lead in the survey, conducted from June 28 to July 6, due to his “geographic support“ base and his close association with the Duterte political camp.

“Napakalaki ng suporta nanggagaling sa ilang base ng kampo na kinabibilangan niya, ito yung kampo ng mga Duterte. Nangunguna siya sa lahat ng rehiyon sa Mindanao,” Holmes said.

“Dahil doon ay malaking bahagi na ‘yan ng populasyon ng mga botante sa ating bansa, 24% na ‘yun eh. At nakakakuha siya ng labis sa 90% nung boto ng pre-election preference sa Mindanao. Nandun rin yung boto niya sa Visayas na halos kalahati ang preference sa mga nasa Central Visayas, ang inuuna nila ay si Robin Padilla,” he said.

According to Holmes, Padilla’s association with the Duterte family has strengthened his voter base, describing the senator as a loyal ally of the former President Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters.

“Ang una, yung geographic base ng mga Duterte dahil kaalyado siya. Pwede nating banggitin na napaka-loyalista ni Robin Padilla sa mga Duterte kasi minsan ipinahayag niya, ‘pag sinunog mo siya, ang amoy niya, amoy Duterte,’” Holmes said.

“Kaya yung mga kakampi ng mga Duterte syempre dahil alam nilang napakaloyal ni Robin hindi nila lilisanin,“ he added.

Authentic image

Beyond political alliances, Holmes said Padilla’s image as someone who speaks and acts like ordinary Filipinos has also contributed to his popularity.

“Bagama't meron tayong maaaring puna dahil sabi nga tayo eh kakaiba naman tayo, yung mga medyo pangungutya tayo. Pero sa pangkaraniwang tao, kung ang pagsasalita ng isang indibidwal ay halos pareho ng pananalita nila at ang pananalita ng ilang ordinaryong mamamayan ay minamaliit ng mga elite, medyo mas kakampihan ng publiko yung minamaliit,” he said.

Holmes described Padilla’s appeal as rooted in his perceived 'authenticity,' saying many voters see him as someone who represents their experiences. He added that educational background may also play a role in how some voters perceive candidates, noting that a large portion of Filipinos did not finish college.

“Ang pagtingin sa kanya ay totoo siya. ‘Yung authentic,” Holmes said.

When asked whether Padilla’s support base among voters is unlikely to change, Holmes said the senator’s standing could still shift depending on future developments, including his statements and performance during the ongoing impeachment trial.

“Hindi naman sa hindi mababaklas, no? Kasi sabi nga hindi pa nagsimula yung trial eh. Maaaring itong mga pahayag niya ay magpapatibay o maaaring magpapalusaw doon sa suporta sa kanya,” he said.

Some voters reportedly show what can be described as a “cult following” for Senator Robin Padilla, which contributes to his continued strong support despite criticisms, Holmes said.

"Parang may cult following, parang nabubulagan ang mga tao sa kanilang pagsusuporta. Samantalang nakikita naman natin yung kahinahan ng kanilang sinusuporta," he added.

Despite possible changes in public opinion, Holmes said Padilla’s support base, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao, is unlikely to immediately collapse even if he faces criticism during the impeachment proceedings.

Holmes added that public support for a politician could weaken if voters begin to perceive that the official’s statements no longer resonate with them.