Poe camp says survey topped by Duterte 'inconclusive'

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Grace Poe’s camp on Thursday reacted to the presidential preference survey of Pulse Asia among Metro Manila residents where prospective presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte ranked first, saying it is inconclusive.

Poe’s spokesperson, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, said the preferential poll is “inconclusive” as it does not account to the rest of the Philippines.

“Furthermore, the survey only covers NCR, there is more to the Philippines than Metro Manila,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“Hence, at this point the survey is inconclusive and not reflective of the sentiments of the country,” he added.

In the latest Metro Manila preferential poll of Pulse Asia, Duterte who recently expressed intent to run for president, emerged as the most favored with 34 percent seconded by Poe with 26 percent and followed by Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay who scored 22 percent.

Gatchalian further said that surveys are only sentiments of people from a certain period and said that it will still change regularly.

“Surveys give us a snapshot of people’s sentiments at a given point in time. Sentiments change regularly depending on what message people hear,” Gatchalian said.

“Our resolve is to continue our drive to explain to the electorate Sen. Poe’s advocacy of inclusive governance. Gobyerno kung saan walang maiiwanan,” he added.

Last Saturday, Duterte said his presidency is now on the table prompted by his disappointment on the Senate Electoral Tribunal's ruling to dismiss the disqualification case against Poe. He believes Poe is not a natural Filipino born citizen.