Results of a Sept. 2-5 survey among 1,200 respondents nationwide — with sampling error margins of ±3 percentage points for national percentages and ±6 points each for Metro Manila, “Balance Luzon,” Visayas, and Mindanao — showed Ms. Poe maintaining her hold at the top of other prospective presidential bet since the second quarter, rising to 47% from 42% last June.

Respondents were asked to give up to three names of those they see as “good leaders to succeed” President Benigno S.C. Aquino III next year.

Mr. Roxas, who proclaimed his candidacy on July 31, surged by 18 points — the biggest improvement — to second place at 39% from third last quarter at 21%.

Mr. Binay, meanwhile, slipped to third with 35%, up by a negligible percentage point. He was first to declare his intention to seek the presidency last July 1.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte remained fourth choice at 16%, a slight drop from the previous 20%, even ahead of his “final and categorical” Sept. 7 decision not to run for the presidency.

The survey was conducted ahead of proclamations last week by Ms. Poe and Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero that they will seek the government’s top two posts as a tandem.

One political analyst said the top three names were expected given their stature as the “most popular” prospective presidential bets so far, while downplaying Mr. Roxas’ big gain. “As expected, Sen. Grace leads the pack. Note however that the eight percent[age point] difference between her and Sec. Mar is immaterial as those who chose Sen. Grace would most likely also choose Sec. Mar,” Edmund S. Tayao, political science professor at the University of Santo Tomas, said in a text message of respondents being asked to give up to three names for this survey. “If at all, the survey suggest that Sen. Grace and Sec. Mar have the same support base.”

Sought for comment, Ms. Poe said in a text message that she remains thankful for people’s “continued confidence” and “growing support,” adding: “It’s a validation that our agenda for transparency, efficiency and honesty resonate well with our people.”

But House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr., vice-chairman of the ruling Liberal Party, said the recent poll results showed the administration bet’s chances are definitely “getting better.” Mr. Roxas resigned as Interior secretary days after announcing his acceptance of the party’s nomination as standard bearer.

Despite the slip in rankings, Mr. Binay’s camp said it remained undeterred. “The SWS survey is a choice of three names that the respondents think are best to succeed President BS Aquino and not a specific question of who will they vote for if elections are conducted now,” Rico Paolo R. Quicho, Mr. Binay’s spokesperson for political affairs, said separately. “The Vice-President’s core supporters remain growing and solid… Our people are now realizing that the orchestrated attacks against the Vice President and his family are all fabricated lies being peddled by some entities to prompt the rating of other candidates.”

VICE-PRESIDENCY
Ms. Poe also topped a separate survey question for vice-president, coming in at 25% from her 21% rating last June.

Her recently-proclaimed running mate Mr. Escudero came in second at 18%, rising 11 points — the most improved — from 7%, while other potential candidates lagged behind at single-digit percentages.

Respondents were asked about who they were likely to vote as vice-president should elections be held the day they were asked.

Mr. Tayao described Ms. Poe and Mr. Escudero as “without doubt the force to reckon with,” given their steady performance in both surveys for the top Executive posts. He added that their announcement last week of their plan to run in tandem gave them an “early advantage” over prospective opponents.