Poe camp to plot new moves after Duterte surge

Presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe throws ballers to the crowd during a campaign rally in Valenzuela City Monday night, April 4, 2016. Photo by Allan Penaredondo (Poe-Chiz Media Bureau)

THE latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey showing presidential aspirant Grace Poe behind the new frontrunner, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, will serve as “compass” in charting her next course, her spokesman said on Monday.

Poe did not issue any statement on the SWS survey though she was out all day campaigning in Oriental Mindoro and Laguna provinces.

Her spokesman, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, issued a statement when reporters sought for comment.

“The current survey results will continue to guide our campaign on the next moves we will take. The information this survey provides will serve as compass for our group in charting our next course,” Gatchalian said in a text message.

“As the homestretch of the campaign period draws nearer, Sen. Poe will continue to fight for our countrymen who were left behind.”

Gatchalian said Gobyernong may Puso “seeks to provide solutions for the decades old problems of poverty and unemployment that continue to besiege our nation.”

“Senator Poe places on the table answers that will make our economic growth inclusive,” he said.

“For Senator Poe, it is no longer acceptable when 26 million Filipinos still live in poverty and millions of families still go hungry. As more people hear and understand the essence of Gobyernong may Puso, we believe more support will consolidate behind Senator Poe,” he further said.

Poe was edged out for the first time by Duterte in the presidential race based on the SWS survey conducted from March 30 to April 2.

Duterte topped the survey with 27 percent while Poe received 23 percent.

Vice President Jejomar Binay got 20 percent, while former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas received 18 percent and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago with three percent.