FULL VIDEO: Survey firms unpack surprising 2025 election results

Watch the Rappler+ episode of 'In the Public Square with John Nery,' including the exclusive Q & A portion with members

MANILA, Philippines – At a Rappler+ edition of In the Public Square with veteran journalist John Nery, leaders of the Philippines’ top survey firms unpacked the unexpected outcome of the 2025 midterm elections and the limitations of pre-election surveys.

On Thursday, May 29, Nery moderated “Making Sense of the Surveys,” a Rappler+ exclusive discussion, with a panel composed of Pulse Asia president Ronnie Holmes, OCTA Research and Development president Ranjit Rye, and WR Numero chief executive officer Cleve Arguelles. Nerve head of data Don Kevin Hapal also shared his insights about online narratives and effective online campaigns by senatorial candidates, based on research by the data forensics firm.

The survey firms were asked about their key takeaways from the senatorial election results vis-a-vis the pre-election survey results. Also tackled were the strong performance of candidates like Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, and the Akbayan party-list group, and what factors led to the weak showing of the administration-backed Alyansa.

They also discussed how major political developments, like the Sara Duterte impeachment and the arrest former president Rodrigo Dutert by the International Criminal Court, affected the winners and losers of the Senate race.

In an exclusive Q & A session after the interview, Rappler+ members were able to ask questions, including survey methodologies and the future of pre-election surveys.

Watch the full recording with the interview and Q&A below:

Enter this password to access: Rappler+makingSenseoftheSurverys

This briefing is among the exclusive benefits of our Rappler+ premium membership program. If you would like to get access to more events and content like this, become a member now by signing up here. Email plus@rappler.com for any inquiries. — Rappler.com