Ejercito ‘encouraged’ by his ranking in latest SWS senatorial survey

MANILA, Philippines — Senator JV Ejercito on Wednesday said that he is “encouraged” by the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) senatorial survey which shows him entering the coveted “Magic 12” group.

Ejercito, who is vying for re-election in the 2019 polls, capped the top 12 ranking by obtaining a 26 percent voter preference equivalent to over 15 million votes.

He said the result is “very encouraging” given that he has to face his brother in the senatorial race and he has no political advertisement yet.

“Given the circumstance of having another brother and not having any political advertisement yet whatsoever, the result is very encouraging,” Ejercito said in a statement.

READ: Villar, Poe lead latest SWS Senate race survey

The senator noted that he ranked 17th and then 14th in the previous senatorial surveys conducted by both SWS and Pulse Asia, saying his increase in ranks is a “slow but a very steady climb.”

“The trajectory is very promising,” Ejercito said.

The re-electionist senator credits the increase in his ranking to the public “slowly appreciating” his achievements in the Senate.

Re-electionist Senators Cynthia Villar and Grace Poe led the latest SWS senatorial survey which was conducted from Dec. 16 to 19.

Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, Senators Sonny Angara and Nancy Binay were all tied at the third to fifth places.

Former actor Lito Lapid, who is seeking a Senate comeback, ranked sixth, followed by former Senator Bong Revilla.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and former senator Jinggoy Estrada tied at the eighth and ninth places, while former Interior secretary Mar Roxas came in 10th, followed closely by Ilocos Governor Imee Marcos. /muf