Poe: Survey proves Filipinos not swayed by rivals’ ‘maneuverings’

Presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe said the recent survey showing her as the voters’ top choice for president proved that Filipinos are not swayed by the “legal and political maneuverings” of her opponents.

“It gives me strength to know that our countrymen continue to stand with me in our pursuit of a better, livable and equitable society that benefits all Filipinos and not just a favored few,” Poe said in a statement on Monday.

“I remain committed to serving them as well,” added the senator, who is facing several disqualification cases at the Commission on Elections over her residency and citizenship.

Poe was referring to the latest nationwide survey commissioned by resident pollster Junie Laylo which showed her as the top choice for president with 28 percent followed by Vice President Jejomar Binay with 23 percent, former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II with 22 percent, Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte with 19 percent, and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago with three percent.

READ: Now, Poe is ‘praying’ for Duterte

The survey, conducted among 1, 500 respondents from December 4 to 12, had a margin of error of 2.6 percent.

The statement noted that in her usual strongholds—Metro Manila, Bicol and the rest of Luzon—Poe won an even bigger chunk of the voting population, with 35 percent.

“Respondents belonging to the lowest economic classes are also for Poe, with 28 percent of those in class D and 31 percent of those in class E saying they would vote for her,” the statement further said, citing the survey published by the The Standard.

Poe was also the top choice of Muslim voters, with 33 percent opting for her from the list of six candidates presented to them. Duterte, who hails from Mindanao, followed with 30 percent.

READ: Tight race as Duterte, Poe lead Magdalo Group survey

“These are the people who have been left behind for so long, and who wish to benefit from the economic growth being touted by our government. They are the reason I am committed to fight for my right—and the right of all foundlings—to serve,” said the senator.

The survey also confirmed Poe’s popularity among the youth, with 36 percent of voters aged 18 to 34 choosing her as president, the statement said.

Poe, who is pushing for the expansion of economic opportunities outside mega-cities, received the same strong support from voters in urban and rural areas across the country, with 29 percent and 28 percent, respectively.

“It humbles and inspires me to see that despite the difficulties, people still have faith that we will achieve our shared vision for this country,” she said.

Poe’s spokesman, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, said the senator was thankful to the Filipino electorate who continue to support her advocacies.

“Like all other surveys, the results of this survey will continue to serve as guide and inspiration for Sen. Poe,” Gatchalian said in a text message.

“She will continue to amplify her message of good governance, inclusive growth and improving competitiveness of our country. Clearly these platforms of governance resonates with the Filipino people,” the spokesman added. CDG

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