BIÑAN, Laguna—President Benigno Aquino III’s “anointed one,” Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II, on Tuesday downplayed the latest Social Weather Stations preferential survey suggesting that Aquino’s endorsement is proving to be a handicap to his candidacy.
Roxas, whose campaign platform focuses on continuing Aquino’s so-called “straight path” principle started by President Aquino, said the survey results were misleading.
“I think it’s wrong. I am confident of the reforms for the good and the better,” Roxas told reporters after a multi-sectoral consultation here.
“All of us Filipinos are proud that before, we were the Sick Man of Asia but now we’re Asia’s bright star.”
Roxas made his statement even as Malacañang said Aquino’s endorsement of Roxas would secure votes for him.
The SWS survey had said some voters would not vote for Aquino’s anointed while former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s endorsement was the kiss of death.
In the survey commissioned by Davao businessmen, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was rated number one while Senator Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay tied for second.
“The President believes that when our bosses—the Filipino people—cast their vote, they will decide in favor of continuing the reforms that will ensure the long-term progress of our country,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said in a statement.
Senate President Franklin Drilon on Tuesday said they were working hard to make Roxas number one in the coming elections.
“We believe that Secretary Mar is the only candidate who can continue the programs of the present administration to improve the lives of the people,” Drilon said.
Aquino scored -26 percent and -10 percent in the National Capital Region and Luzon, respectively, when those polled were asked how would they react to his endorsement. But Aquino gained a positive net effect in the Visayas and Mindanao with 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively.
In endorsing Roxas, Aquino said in July that the former Interior secretary was the “most ripe” for the presidency.
Roxas defended Aquino’s endorsement, saying his administration had made significant gains and that would help boost his candidacy.