Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II FILE PHOTO
The recent improvement in the rating of Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II is just a proof that it is becoming clear to Filipinos that they want the “Daang Matuwid (straight path)” to continue, according to the presidential candidate.
In a statement on Monday, Roxas thanked his supporters who are behind the rise in his rating from 21 percent in June to 39 percent in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
Although overtaking his political archrival Vice President Jejomar Binay in the polls, Roxas was still second to his election opponent Senator Grace Poe.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa suporta ng ating mga kababayan. Ikinagagalak po ng buong Daang Matuwid coalition ang nangyaring pag-angat sa ating mga numero sa huling survey ng SWS. Para sa akin ay patunay ito na habang tumatagal, lumilinaw sa sambayanan ang mga napakagandang nasimulan, at ng pagnanais na manatili sa Daang Matuwid,” said Roxas.
(I thank our countrymen for their support. The “Daang Matuwid” coalition is elated with the rise of our numbers in the latest SWS survey. For me, this is proof that as time passes, the good progress that we have started becomes clearer to the Filipinos, as well as the desire to stay on the straight path.)
But Roxas said the increased trust and preference of the public for him was just the start, as this would entail more issues would be hurled against Roxas and the LP.
“Gayunpaman, naniniwala po tayo na simula pa lang ito. Sa paglipas ng panahon, dadami ang mga isyung ihaharap sa bawat kandidato and we are confident that more and more of our people will be able to discern true election issues from mere mudslinging,” he said.
“Tinatanggap natin ang pagtaas sa survey na ito bilang pagtitiwala sa atin na kalingain ang mga pamilya, kinabukasan, at pangarap ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.
(We regard our rise in this survey as the Filipinos’ trust in us to take care of their families, future, and dreams.)
‘Biggest’ leap for Roxas
The Palace and the LP have expressed elation over the improved ratings of Roxas.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Roxas’ latest rating affirms the Filipinos trust in him as the country’s next leader.
Meanwhile, Yacap Partylist representative Carol Lopez and a staunch supporter of Roxas noted that the latest poll result was the biggest jump of Roxas by far.
“It is interesting to note that in the June survey, Ms. Poe led Roxas by as much as 21 points. Now it’s down to 8 points. This is by far the biggest jump for Mar with an increase of 86% from his June survey,” Lopez said.
“And if this early, the voters are seeing that depth and quality, as well as integrity and stability, are important in a leader, then I think this country is headed up,” she added.
“I reiterate that a series of national debates are imperative to guide our voters wisely. A clean and clear platform with real and serious solutions should be presented. I am hopeful that now we’ve achieved a level of maturity to say enough is enough to personality based politics, cheap gimmickry and plain PR works. Let’s talk policies. Serious policies. Matatalino ang mga Pilipino and let us give them that due respect.” Julliane Love de Jesus/JE