Poe still in presidential race, spokesman stressed

After landing second place in the latest Pulse Asia survey, the camp of Senator Grace Poe saw the need on Tuesday to “amplify” the message that she is still a candidate for president in 2016.

“We respect and accept the survey results. The results of this survey will serve as roadmap for our next moves,” Poe’s spokesman, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, said in a statement.

“Clearly, we have to amplify our message that Sen. Poe is still a candidate in the running for the Presidency,” he said.

READ: Keep Grace Poe on ballot, senatorial bet asks Comelec

“In addition to this, we have to focus on our message of inclusive growth, improving competitiveness and good governance. Platforms of governance that will resonate among the Filipino public,” Gatchalian  said.

The spokesman was reacting to the Pulse Asia survey conducted among 1,800 respondents nationwide from December 4 to 11 which showed Vice President Jejomar Binay as the voters’ top choice for president with 33 percent.

READ: Binay regains lead in Pulse Asia poll, tops Duterte, Poe

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Poe only came in second with 23 percent and 21 percent, respectively, followed by former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II with 17 percent and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago with 4 percent.

Both Poe and Duterte are facing disqualification cases at the Commission on Elections.

The two divisions at the Comelec have already decided to disqualify Poe but she appealed the case at the Comelec en banc. CDG

READ: Now, Poe is ‘praying’ for Duterte