Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar (File photo)
MANILA – Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar believes in the reliability of pre-election surveys.
In an interview with Daily Tribune’s “Straight Talk” program on Tuesday, Andanar was asked about his opinion on which among the top three presidential bets would likely get the endorsement of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Andanar did not directly answer the question but noted that pre-election surveys give a picture of respondents’ preferences.
“Ganito sasagutin ko: Ako ay naniniwala naman sa mga surveys, whether Pulse Asia or SWS, iyong mga leading survey companies natin. Naniniwala ako sa kanilang paraan, sistema ng pag-survey nila – quantitative, qualitative (This is how I will answer: I believe in surveys, whether Pulse Asia or SWS, our leading survey companies. I believe in their method, system in conducting the survey, quantitative, qualitative),” he said.
He, however, said it remains to be seen if the survey results will be a hit or miss in predicting who will be elected after people have cast their votes.
“Tingnan natin kung sino ang talagang nasa pinaka-one, two, three sa dulo ng larong ito. At (Let us see who really is number one, two three in this game. And), again, miracles do happen. So, you know, say a prayer or two,” he added.
Results of a Feb. 18-23 Pulse Asia survey, the first major survey conducted after official campaigns kicked off on Feb. 8, showed that former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has kept his big lead at 60 percent followed by vice president Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo (15 percent), and Manila mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso (10 percent).
On Monday, the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) adopted a resolution formally endorsing the candidacy of Marcos.
Andanar, however, said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, chairperson of PDP-Laban, has yet to issue an official statement of his preferred successor.
Duterte himself has repeatedly said he is not endorsing or supporting any presidential bet "at this time."
In a March 11 TV interview, Duterte said the country’s next president should be “compassionate and decisive” and a “lawyer”.
Political analysts previously said despite strong leads, there is still a chance that other candidates may be able to overcome it.
Earlier, senator and presidential hopeful Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao said his dismal rating in surveys does not dampen his spirits, noting that Duterte trailed in surveys when he ran in 2016.
Duterte won the 2016 presidential race with 16 million votes despite landing between third to fourth place in pre-election surveys. (PNA)
