LAOAG CITY, Philippines – Despite lagging behind in the recent senatorial survey, reelectionist Senator JV Ejercito on Monday said he will bank on his Senate accomplishments and his corruption-free track record.
Ejercito, in Pulse Asia’s latest survey for survey of preferred Senate candidates, landed four spots outside of the “Magic 12”.
“I’m proud na in 18 years in public service malinis ang aking pangalan. ‘Yung tiwalang pinagkaloob sa akin hindi ko sinira ‘yan,” Ejercito told reporters on the sidelines of Hugpong ng Pagbabago’s (HNP) campaign sortie here.
(In 18 years of public service, I have kept my name clean. I did not betray the trust of the people.)
“Hindi ako nasangkot sa anomalya, sa anumang isyu ng korapsyon at least walang bahid ang aking pangalan. Hopefully, with track record and performance manalo ulit tayo,” he added.
(I’ve never been involved in anomalies and corruption issues, and my name is clean, and with my track record, hopefully I will be reelected.)
Ejercito also admitted that his lack of political advertisements and the senatorial candidacy of his brother, Jinggoy Estrada, may have affected his survey rating.
“Surveys are scientific and it should be a guide. Admittedly, I’m ranking very low now and it’s because wala akong political ads. Lahat nung bumomba sa political ads yun ang mga humataw,” Ejercito said.
“I don’t think na hindi ako gusto ng tao, kahit saan ako pumunta very warm ‘yung reception at naappreciate nila yung ginagawa (ko) so it’s just confusion. Mahirap ‘yung dalawang magkapatid na sabay mahirap talaga tapos wala pa kong political ads,” he added.
(Everywhere I go, the reception is very warm. The people appreciate what I do. It’s just tough when two siblings are running at the same time, plus the fact that I have no political advertisements.)
Ejercito, however, said he is confident that the impending signing of the Universal Healthcare Bill and creation of a Housing Department, which he both championed at the Senate, will eventually boost his survey ranking. / gsg