Manila, March 26 -- Nine candidates from the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas have secured strong positions in the latest senatorial survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), according to results released Wednesday.

The survey, conducted from March 15 to 20 and commissioned by Stratbase Consultancy, showed ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo leading those in the winning circle with 42 percent of voter preference.

Tulfo was tied with Senator Bong Go in 1st-2nd place.

Former Senate president Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, who is also from the Alyansa slate, followed in 3rd-4th place with 34 percent, alongside independent candidate Ben Tulfo.

Other administration-backed candidates in the top 12 are Senator Lito Lapid ...