More students are inclined to cast their vote for former senator and incumbent Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the mock polls conducted in more than 30 universities and colleges in the Philippines show, solidifying his footing as one of the prefered candidates vying for a seat in the Senate.

In at least three universities—La Salle University-Ozamiz, Sorsogon State University, and Philippine National University-Mindanao campus—Escudero was the No. 1 choice for senator among their students for the May 2022 elections.

At least 33 colleges have also named Escudero as their top choice in the upcoming senatorial polls. These include Adamson University, Ateneo de Naga, Ateneo Law School, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Batangas State University, Bicol University, Cagayan State University-College of Allied Health Sciences, Cor Jesu Colle of Law, Divine World College of Calapan, Far Eastern University, Gordon College-Olongapo, La Consolacion University Philippines, Mindanao State University (MSU)-General Santos City, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, and MSU-Main Campus in Marawi City.

Escudero also ranked high in the mock polls conducted by the National Teachers College-Student Government, National University (NU), Philippine Normal University (PNU)-Manila, PNU-North Luzon, PNU-South Luzon, PNU-Visayas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila, Rizal Technological University, Saint Mary’s University, San Beda University College of Law, University of the Philippines, University of Nueva Caceres, University of San Agustin- Bacolod, University of St. La Salle, University of St. Louis-Tuguegarao, University of Santo Tomas (UST), University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, and Xavier University-Cagayan de Oro City.

Among those who have endorsed Escudero’s 2022 Senate bid includes President Duterte himself, and his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte who is seeking the vice presidency.

Duterte said he is confident Escudero will play a big role in crafting key pieces of legislation and reforms at a time when the country is besieged with challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tandems of Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III; Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan; and Senator Manny Pacquiao and Rep. Lito Atienza have adopted Escudero in their senatorial slates.

Escudero also got the support of the mayors from CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Eastern Samar, who belong to the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

Party-list groups that have also expressed their support fo Escudero’s Senate bid include Ang Probinsyano, Ang Kabuhayan, Agimat, An Waray, ARISE, BHW, BTS, Kusog Bikolano, KAPUSO-PM, and Uswag Iloilo.