Malacañang Welcomes Survey Results Showing Administration’s Presidential Bet in Second Place

The Palace on Monday welcomed the results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which showed Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II taking the second place on the list of preferred presidential candidates.

“His (Roxas’) improvement of 18 percentage points—up from 21 percent last quarter to 39 percent—is the biggest one recorded in the survey, and reflects growing sentiment that he is the best leader to succeed President Aquino in 2016,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

The latest SWS survey, conducted on September 2 to 5 among 1,200 adults nationwide, showed Senator Grace Poe leading with 47 percent, followed by Roxas with 39 percent, and Vice President Jejomar Binay with 35 percent.

Secretary Lacierda noted that the survey results come on the heels of another SWS survey, which showed President Benigno S. Aquino III’s satisfaction ratings rising across all socioeconomic classes and geographic areas, with the exception of Mindanao.

The President’s ratings improved significantly, with satisfaction increasing from 57 percent last quarter to 64 percent, and dissatisfaction dropping from 27 percent to 22 percent.

“These two surveys serve as successive votes of confidence from the public, reflecting the strong belief that Daang Matuwid has led to direct improvements in governance and the economy—and should therefore be continued,” Lacierda said.

“Our country’s upward trajectory makes it clear, that what used to be impossible is now possible. Approaching 2016, it is once again up to us to decide our country’s fate—whether we will take a U-turn or continue along the straight path, and continue reaping the fruits of transparency and good governance,” he said. PND (ag)