Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte topped the latest Pulse Asia Survey as the choice of Filipinos for a possible presidential bid in the 2022 national elections.
The younger Duterte is followed by former senator Bongbong Marcos, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and Senator Manny Pacquiao. Trailing behind are Senator Grace Poe, Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Panfilo Lacson, Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, and Senator Bong Go.
Mayor Christina Frasco, Duterte’s spokesperson, said the latest poll “reflects the people’s desire for stable leadership in these uncertain times.”
“Owing to her stellar track record of performance as Mayor of Davao, and her courage and credibility as a leader who puts the people’s needs first, the people see in Mayor Sara the President that we need and the President that we can trust,” she said.
For the possible vice presidential race, Senate President Tito Sotto topped the survey, followed by President Rodrigo Duterte, Moreno, Marcos, and Pacquiao.
Some political analysts said there may still be changes.
“I expect some changes to happen, so that’s why at the outset, ang sabi ko nga sa’yo, tingnan natin kung masu-sustain ‘yung numbers na ‘yan, kung hindi man mag-i-increase,” Prof. Edmund Tayao said.
Malacaῆang said President Duterte is still “the candidate to beat” in the upcoming polls, noting that aspirants have yet to file their certificates of candidacy.
Aksyon Demokratiko chairperson Ernest Ramel, Moreno’s ally, described the “multi-race” as “far-fetched from what will happen.”
Robredo’s spokesperson Barry Gutierrez likewise thanked the “continued trust and support” for the vice president, which was “reflected in the substantial increases in both her approval and trust ratings.”
Aspiring presidential candidate Lacson said they have their “own tracking” and are not considering changing their strategies. Former Sec. Antonio Trillanes IV said he was also unaffected pending the campaign season.
Meanwhile, the senatorial poll was led by Raffy Tulfo, Cayetano, Former Senator Chiz Escudero, Rep. Loren Legarda, Moreno, Pacquiao, Lacson, Marcos, Revillame, Sec. Mark Villar, Former Vice President Jojo Binay, and Former Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
Also in the list are former Senator Bam Aquino, and Senators Migz Zubiri and Kiko Pangilinan. – Report from Daniel Manalastas/AG-bny
