Palace unfazed by Noynoy rating

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang was unfazed by reports that Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III posted high ratings in a recent survey on presidential aspirants.

Administration officials said it was too early to bank on such surveys.

Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said it was too early to tell whether such ratings would hold sway with the elections still eight months away.

The administration’s Lakas-Kampi-CMD is expected to announce in the next two weeks its standard bearer after the deadline for those interested to join the ruling party’s selection process for its presidential candidate lapses tomorrow.

Officially under consideration are Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando. Both, however, are trailing in the latest surveys.

“I’m happy for him (Aquino). It’s something that should make the rest of the opposition nervous before it bothers the administration,” Claudio said.

“After all, it’s not the administration candidates who were on top of the surveys before Noynoy suddenly emerged as presidential candidate,” he added.

Claudio said that the administration’s presidential bet “will have a fresh start with enough time to catch up,” once it is announced.

“I have a feeling that the coming presidential elections is going to be an exciting contest among bright and idealist young leaders, with the older traditional-type politicians being sidelined or rendered irrelevant. Such scenario will be good for the country,” he said.

The survey that showed Aquino obtaining high ratings was conducted shortly before he announced his intention to run for president under the Liberal Party.

Although it has yet to be released, a source by The STAR said that the survey was done between Sept. 5 and 6, days before Aquino announced his presidential plans after partymate Sen. Mar Roxas withdrew for the sake of party unity.