Duterte's Lead Shrinks Against Robredo in Octa Presidential Poll

MANILA — The presidential preference gap between Vice President Sara Duterte and Leni Robredo has tightened considerably, according to the latest survey results released by polling firm Octa Research. The study indicates that 40 percent of adult Filipinos would support Duterte in a hypothetical presidential election, down from her previously commanding lead over her political rival.

The narrowing margin reflects shifting voter sentiment in the months following Duterte's assumption of the vice presidency. While she maintains a lead in the hypothetical race, the 7-point contraction represents a significant shift in public opinion and suggests growing competition for voter support ahead of potential future electoral contests.

Octa Research's survey methodology tracked responses from adult Filipinos across various demographic categories to gauge their presidential preferences. The results underscore the volatility of voter preferences in the Philippine political landscape and the continued relevance of both figures in national politics.

The findings come amid ongoing political dynamics and policy debates within the Duterte administration, where tensions between the vice president and the executive branch have occasionally surfaced in public discourse. As the political calendar moves forward, both leaders maintain significant support bases among the Filipino electorate.