Malacañang Tells Public to Study Platforms of Presidential Candidates

The Palace on Thursday underscored the importance of studying the platforms of candidates in voting for next year’s presidential elections.

Reacting to the latest Pulse Asia survey showing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte leading among the presidential candidates, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said public opinion polls heighten public interest in the elections.

Duterte led the survey, conducted on November 11 and 12 in the National Capital Region, with 34 percent, followed by Senator Grace Poe with 26 percent, and Vice President Jejomar Binay with 22 percent.

Administration candidate Manuel Roxas II placed fourth with 11 percent, while Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago was fifth with 7 percent.

“Public opinion polls, such as the latest Pulse Asia survey on presidential candidates among National Capital Region respondents, serve to heighten people’s interest in the electoral process,” Secretary Coloma said in a statement.

He encouraged the people to “broaden their participation by learning more about the platforms of candidates and assessing their records in public service”.

In the vice presidential race, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero topped the survey with 32 percent, while Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. came in second with 24 percent.

Senator Alan Cayetano placed third with 20 percent, followed by Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo (10 percent), Senator Gringo Honasan (8 percent), and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV (4 percent).

The latest Pulse Asia survey was conducted on 300 respondents, who were made to choose from a list of candidates for president and vice president, if the elections were held today. PND (jm)