Binay unfazed by survey results

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay is unfazed by the recent Pulse Asia survey that showed his performance rating and the ranking of his daughter Nancy, who is running for senator, have declined.

In an interview here before joining the political rally of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in San Francisco, Surigao del Sur, Binay said surveys are not the basis for a candidate’s loss or victory, “although they help the candidates.”

Binay said his daughter is ranked number four but the way the survey was presented made it appear that she was in 11th place.

“There was an emphasis on 11, but actually the numerical count of that is also 4 to 11th spot,” he said.

Binay also noted that while his performance rating went down by 8 percent in the Pulse Asia survey, the results of another survey firm showed that his acceptance rating went up by 6 percent.

“There is a big difference. But in both instances, I am still on top and at the level of very good. I thank the Filipino people for continuously trusting me. Although my rating went down, I’m still number one. One survey is about my performance, while the other survey is about the trust and my performance. At least, the people’s trust for me is still there,” Binay said.

For as long as elections are clean and honest, Binay said the outcome of the elections is not an issue for him.

He maintained that a 12-0 win in favor of the senatorial candidates of the administration is not possible. He noted that even during the term of former President Corazon Aquino, who was then very popular, two opposition candidates made it to the winning circle, referring to former President Joseph Estrada and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile.

Binay said he is also confident that President Aquino will not allow cheating. He said he is also banking on the assurance of the Commission on Elections that there will be no “hocus PCOS.”

In for a surprise

Binay said Team PNoy will be “in for a surprise” when more UNA candidates make it to the winning circle as May 13 approaches.

“It’s good that it is now 9-3 because the last time I was here (in Antique) it was 12-0. It doesn’t matter because next time it will 8-4 or 7-5 in favor of UNA or even 6-6,” Binay said.

He cited pre-election surveys in 2010 where he had consistently trailed Mar Roxas.

“Mar Roxas has 54 percent in surveys, Jojo Binay, 2. But as Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said, if I can quote it correctly, ‘You know Jojo, they will be in for a surprise.’ They will also be in for a surprise in this election,” Binay said.

UNA secretary-general and campaign manager Toby Tiangco chided Team PNoy for celebrating their victory this early based on surveys.

“Haven’t they learned their lesson in 2010?” he  asked, citing Roxas’ statement claiming victory 11 days before the elections.

“Don’t be too boastful. The election is not yet over. What is clear is that there will be no 12-0. If (Sen. Franklin) Drilon will continue with his 12-0 claims, it’s highly suspicious,”  he added.