Rama more trusted than Dino

CEBU, Philippines — A survey on electoral preferences and voting attitudes in Cebu City conducted by the Social Weather Station shows that former mayor Michael Rama is more trusted than his ally, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino.

Commissioned by lawyer Paul Nejudne, the survey was conducted from April 29 to May 1, 2018 in Cebu City North and South Districts with 300 validated voters.

It is the same survey that showed Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña enjoying a “very good” trust rating and that voters here want the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

Rama was earlier tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte as a drug protector while Dino as the latter’s alter ego and a presidential appointee.

In the survey, Rama got a +32 net trust rating, which means 59 percent trust him, 13 percent are undecided, while 27 percent has little trust in him.

The survey revealed that Rama’s net trust ratings are either good or moderate in most socio-demographics, except among classes ABC.

His net trust ratings range from a poor -17 (among classes ABC) to a good +43.

Dino, on the other hand, got a +9 trust rating, which means 30 percent trusts him, 31 percent are undecided, and 21 percent has little trust in him.

His net trust ratings range from a poor -13 (among those aged 45-54) to a good +49 (among those aged 18-24).

Rama said he felt elated to know that people still trust him despite him no longer in a government post.

“Of course, good enough because I’m not an elected official. I don’t even have any position,” he told The FREEMAN.

Rama said he did not expect to get higher ratings than Dino.

“I’m only president of Rotary Club of Cebu Guadalupe, but thanks that I have better ratings. It’s elating and revealing that even if I don’t have any position. I still have that trust ratings,” Rama said.

BRT

Osmeña and Dino often clashed on the issue of which mass transport system would be best for Cebu City.

Osmeña has been pushing for the BRT, something Dino has been opposing because of the city’s “narrow” roads. For Dino, a Light Rail Transit (LRT) would work best here.

The survey results showed that 72 percent support the BRT, 21 percent is undecided, and seven percent is against it. At least 57 percent are aware of the BRT project while 43 percent are not aware of it.

Those who agree to implement the BRT believe it will reduce vehicle traffic. At least 69 percent said that it will lessen or eliminate traffic while others say that it will provide the city wider lanes and will allow organized mass transportation for the public.

Others who agree believe that a BRT system will reduce travel time and will facilitate easier and comfortable transportation, among others.

The 21-kilometer BRT route will traverse N. Bacalso Avenue, the South Road Properties, Osmeña Boulevard, N. Escario Street, and Governor Cuenco Avenue. (FREEMAN)