MANILA, Philippines ? Sen. Benigno ?Noynoy? Aquino III is unfazed by a recent Pulse Asia survey indicating him statistically tied with Sen. Manny Villar, whom he said seems to be developing an ?unholy alliance? with the Arroyo administration.

?I am not surprised with this turn of events,? said Aquino, reading a prepared statement at a press conference Wednesday.

?First, our opponents have had a long head start in this campaign. And while I diligently perform my functions as a legislator, the others are practically campaigning fulltime, neglecting their mandate with those, who entrusted them with their votes,? he said.

Aquino also criticized Villar?s ?unprecedented and sustained ad spending in all forms of media and the unrelenting and increasingly below-the-belt and baseless black propaganda? against him.

Despite these, he said he is surprised he still leading in the surveys.

?It is becoming clear that an unholy alliance is developing between this administration and my opponent,? he said.

The senator did not directly refer to Villar but he pointed to a published statement by a Palace official expressing gratitude to the latter for not hitting this administration.

During a presidential debate, Aquino noted a comment by Villar, quoting the latter as saying he would not lift a finger to defend the administration.

?No wonder the Palace spokesman couldn?t restrain himself in expressing his gratitude to one of my opponents for keeping quiet on the many issues confronting this administration,? Aquino said.

Aquino, meanwhile, admitted that his campaign is also facing challenges.

Referring to his party?s ?comparative? advantage in its strength to mobilize volunteers nationwide, is still yet to be felt in the campaign.

He expects this to happen when the campaign formally starts this February.