Loren gaining ground but Noli still top pick for 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Vice-President Noli L. de Castro remains the top pick to succeed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo next year while Sen. Loren Legarda regained second place after previously being dislodged by former Senate President Manuel B. Villar, a new survey from the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed. Mr. de Castro’s latest score of 31% was two points higher than the 29% he obtained last September. Behind him was Ms. Legarda with 28%, a result that allowed her to overtake Mr. Villar who was third at 27%. The erstwhile Senate chief was second three months earlier with 28%, while Ms. Legarda was third with 26%. Also swapping places, at fourth and fifth, were senators Francis G. Escudero and Panfilo M. Lacson, with the former now on top at 19% compared to the latter’s 14%. Last September, Mr. Lacson notched 17% to Mr. Escudero’s 16%. Other figures mentioned in the December survey were former President Joseph "Erap" E. Estrada (11%), Sen. Manuel "Mar" A. Roxas II (10%), Makati mayor and opposition leader Jejomar C. Binay (2%), and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando (2%). President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who has been accused by the opposition of planning to stay in power beyond 2010, was the choice of 1%. Identical percentages were also enjoyed by senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Francis N. Pangilinan, Antonio F. Trillanes IV, and Juan Miguel F. Zubiri; and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ralph G. Recto and his wife, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto. Seven percent could not give an answer while 12% had no one to recommend. The survey, made exclusive to BusinessWorld, was conducted over November 28 to December 1, 2008 using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults nationwide. The sampling error margins were +/-2.5% for national percentages and +/-6% for Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao, and +/-4% for the rest of Luzon. Respondents were asked: "Under the present Constitution, the term of President Arroyo is up to 2010 only and there will be an election for a new president in May 2010. Who do you think are good leaders who should succeed President Arroyo as president? You may give up to three names." A list of names was not provided. Asked to comment, Mr. de Castro said "I take their support as my inspiration and use it to direct my efforts and actions toward programs that are truly beneficial to the public, especially the poor." "At this point in time, politicking should take a back seat. What our country needs right now is for us to unite and work together regardless of political affiliation to create and sustain more jobs for our people," he added. Margaux Salcedo, spokesman of Mr. Estrada, said the survey results showed there were people who still trusted the former President despite his ouster and graft conviction. "[We are] surprised because unlike the rest on the list who have declared they will run and have been running television or other ads, former President Estrada has said and has been insisting that he will not run in 2010," she said. "[We are] grateful because there is a consistent contingent — the 11% that desires the comeback of Erap in spite of his trial and conviction." Mr. Estrada was ousted via a popular revolt in 2001 amid allegations of widespread corruption. He was charged with plunder, subsequently sentenced to lifetime imprisonment in September 2007, but was pardoned by Mrs. Arroyo a month later. Other personalities mentioned in the survey were not immediately available for comment. Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony T. Golez, Jr. reiterated that Mrs. Arroyo had no plans to remain in power beyond the term allowed by law. "It (survey) captured the sentiment of some Filipinos. But we have a constitution to follow and it states that the president cannot run in 2010. She (Mrs. Arroyo) will step down in 2010," he said. Full report at www.sws.org.ph