Trillanes 2nd for VP in his own group’s survey

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV is lagging behind other candidates for vice president even in a survey conducted by his own supporters.

The survey, by Samahang Magdalo from Aug. 11 to 13 and released by Trillanes’ office yesterday, showed him in second place behind Sen. Francis Escudero.

Escudero received 53.8 percent of the votes while Trillanes came in second with 22.6 percent.

The survey included only four possible candidates for vice president, namely Escudero, Trillanes, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto.

Magdalo party-list Rep. Francisco Ashley Acedillo said the group has been conducting surveys since 2006 to use as a tool for campaign planning and policymaking.

Trillanes, who has declared his intention to run for vice president, welcomed the survey results as a challenge for him to work harder to earn the trust of the electorate.

“But I’m happy where I am right now. Compared to when I started in 2007, we started practically zero, so I’m happy with that,” he said.

Trillanes believes that his numbers will improve.

Trillanes has yet to come out with any advertisements on radio or television, unlike other politicians who have declared their intention to seek higher office in 2016.

Escudero has aired his desire to run for vice president alongside Sen. Grace Poe but said that he has not yet made up his mind on this.

Cayetano has set his eyes on the presidency although he is open to running for vice president in next year’s elections.