Erice: Mar ranked No. 1 in ‘confidential poll’ commissioned by LP

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Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has topped a survey on presidential preferences — one that was commissioned by his own people, a close ally said Wednesday.

Liberal Party (LP) member Rep. Edgar Erice said the administration party commissioned an internal survey after Roxas was endorsed as standard bearer by President Benigno Aquino III.

Erice said a reputable survey firm conducted the survey on 1,200 respondents nationwide. Only Roxas and Vice President Jejomar Binay were included in the survey — so far the only ones who have thrown their hats into the 2016 presidential race.

The poll showed Roxas garnered 53% against Binay’s 37% and 10% were undecided. Senator Grace Poe was not covered by the survey because she has not made a decision on 2016.

Erice explained the confidential poll was done to also help the LP strategize its campaign.

“Marami kasing mga text blast mga lumalabas, mga survey, mga chismis. As far as the LP is concerned meron kaming internal surveys. Lahat ng groups may kanya-kanyang internal surveys. Ito ang ginagamit na tool how to design a campaign for 2016… Matagal pa ito pero meron nang bagong scenario. Dalawa pa lang ang declared candidates,” he said.

“Maraming questions for strategic purposes kaya nga for the purpose of clarifying yung mga lumalabas na chismis,” he added.

Erice said the question in the poll was, “Kung magkakaroon ng halalan ngayon, sino pipiliin?”

He explained that the poll dispels notions that Aquino’s endorsement has no effect on Roxas, who has been a laggard in surveys.

He declined to name the pollster or provide more details. “Di pwedeng i-reveal sinuman nagpagawa. Meron kasing mga kailangan pangalagaan.” He also did not disclose the cost of the survey.

Erice said he expects to be vindicated when the country’s usual survey groups release their quarterly surveys soon.

Erice justified the release of the survey, citing other internal surveys leaked by other political camps.

Text: RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News

This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.