Arjo Atayde leads Quezon City congressional survey

MANILA, Philippines — Arjo Atayde topped the congressional race in Quezon City’s first district based on a survey conducted by Istratehiya Inc. from March 17 to 20.

Atayde garnered 74.9 percent preferential vote against Rep. Onyx Crisologo’s 25.1 percent.

Reelectionist Mayor Joy Belmonte received 73 percent preferential vote against Rep. Mike Defensor who got only 26.3 percent.

The survey was done on the basis of the following criteria in voting for a political candidate: ability to help others, hard work, capacity to understand the plight of the poor, intelligence, honesty, toughness, religious belief, not being a traditional politician and the ability to inspire the public.

Atayde thanked his volunteers for supporting his campaign. He vowed to continue to focus on informing the voters on what he plans to do for the city’s first district instead of responding to negative criticism.

Atayde said he received information that a black propaganda is being circulated against him after surveys showed that he was leading the congressional race.

“Hindi ko na po pinapansin ang mga anonymous na naninira sa akin. My focus is to inform the voters about what I plan to do for the district,” he said.

“What the families in District 1 need is HELP, not black propaganda,” Atayde added, referring to his platform health, education, livelihood and peace and order.

“Based on our conversations with the residents of District 1, these are their top concerns, kaya ito po ang ating tutukan ko,” he said. “When we resume the campaign after the Holy Week, we will start discussing the specifics of these programs.”

After he filed his candidacy in October 2021, Atayde distributed assistance to help the residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atayde said if he wins as congressman, he would focus on working with national agencies and the local government to provide livelihood opportunities, address public transportation woes in the district, improve healthcare and extend educational assistance to the youth.

“I am grateful that I am leading in the surveys, but I urge voters to be vigilant and responsible,” he said. “We still have several weeks before the May 9 elections and we should not be complacent. There is still much work to be done. Huwag po natin pabayaang nakawin ang ating boto.”