LP hopeful of higher survey rankings once Robredo formalizes 2022 bid

(FILE PHOTO) Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. Screen grab / Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Liberal Party president Senator Francis Pangilinan is “definitely” hopeful  that Vice President Leni Robredo’s rankings in pre-elections surveys will improve once she declares her candidacy for the 2022 polls.

“We believe tataas pa ‘yan but, of course, magiging maliwanag lang ‘yan ‘pag alam ng botante kung sino ang kandidato,” Pangilinan told reporters in an online interview.

(We believe her ranking will get higher but, of course, things will get clearer if voters know who the candidates really are.)

“We all know when she ran for vice president she was only one percent. From one percent naging 34 percent. So we believe, for example, some of the candidates na hindi tutuloy ‘san pupunta yung mga boto na yon, ‘di ba? Lilipat ‘yon. Maaaring lumipat sa kanya (Robredo). Meron pang undecided,” he added.

(We all know when she ran for vice president she was only one percent. From one percent to 34 percent. So we believe, for example, some of the candidates will not push through so voters will switch to another candidate. They may vote for her. There are people who are still undecided. We have internal polls that show even a larger undecided up to 16 percent.)

Pangilinan said he sees a possible adjustment in numbers once presidential aspirants have formalized their candidacies.

“Kaya yung undecided sa isang poll natin, that is also a big factor. Saan pupunta yung undecided na ‘yon? Syempre kung hindi nila alam na kandidato si VP ba’t ipipili nila? E kung mag-file siya ng kandidatura at nalaman nila e baka magbabago at magkakaroon ng adjustment,” the senator said.

(So those who are undecided in the survey, that is also a big factor. Where will those undecided go? Of course they are still not sure if VP will really run so why would they bet on her now? If she files and they become aware of it then there will be adjustments.)

In the latest pre-election survey release by Pulse Asia, Robredo garnered an eight-percent voter preference, falling behind five other presidential choices.

Robredo remains undecided on whether she should run for president, focusing on building an opposition coalition to defeat the administration’s nominee and prevent a Marcos return.

According to Pangilinan, another vice presidential run for Robredo is also an option for her should it ensure a united opposition ticket in 2022.

JPV