President Rodrigo Duterte acted as leverage on actor Robin Padilla’s senatorial race after emerging as a frontrunner in the 2022 election. The results were unexpected according to some political analysts.

As of 8:17 p.m Tuesday, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) released the partial and unofficial votes and Padilla garnered 26,385,249 votes that leads him to become the top 1 of the senatorial race.

Political science and OCTA Research fellow professor Ranjit Rye said on his interview on PTV 4’s “Hatol ng Bayan 2022” that he cannot determine the reason why actor Padilla manged to be the frontrunner for senatorial race, contradicting to the pre-election surveys.

“Mahirap. Pinag-aaralan din namin kasi sa aming survey, hindi ho siya ang lumabas na number one but he was on the top 10.” Professor Rye said.

Rye claimed that OCTA research expects either house deputy speaker Loren Regarda who currently got 23,939,235 votes and broadcaster Raffy Tulfo who has 23,123,060 votes that will lead the senate race.

The professor added that there are several factors affecting Padilla’s lead including his popularity as an “Action Star” and the support of president Rodrigo Duterte.

“I believe maraming (there are many) factors contributed to his win. He was very strongly supported by the administration, by the President. He was also strongly supported by other candidates.” Rye also pointed out that he’s a well-known actor.

Rye also added that Padilla supports Muslim community.

That is also added to his votes. So, there are many reasons why Robin Padilla shot up to number one.” Rye said.

Despite of these supports, Robin Padilla can’t avoid criticisms online that questions his capability to serve as an actor-politician.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ROBINPADILLA.OFFICIAL