Palace: Survey shows 'growing sentiment' Mar is best presidential bet

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang welcomed on Monday the latest survey showing Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel Roxas II moving up to second place on the list of preferred presidential candidates.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Roxas's improved survey ranking "reflects growing sentiment that he is the best leader to succeed President Aquino in 2016."

Lacierda added that the new Social Weather Stations survey serves as a vote of confidence from the public, "reflecting the strong belief that 'Daang Matuwid' has led to direct improvements in governance and the economy—and should therefore be continued."

According to the new SWS poll revealed on Monday, Roxas's rating leapfrogged from 21 percent from last quarter to 39 percent.

Roxas' 18-percentage point increase was the biggest one recorded in the survey.

With his improved survey score, Roxas now ranks as the second most preferred presidential aspirant. He has overtaken former frontrunner Vice President Jejomar Binay but still trails behind Sen. Grace Poe.

Communications Secretary Hermino Coloma Jr. said President Aquino's endorsement of Roxas as the administration's presidential bet helped lift the survey rating of the former interior and local government secretary.

"Ang pagtaas sa dami ng bumanggit ng preference kay Sec. Roxas ay repleksyon ng ibayong pagtitiwala ng mga mamamayan sa kanyang kakayahang mamuno sa bansa pagkatapos siyang endorsohin ni Pangulong Aquino bilang LP standard bearer," Coloma said in a text message.

With the election season drawing near, the Palace again urged Filipinos to support candidates who will not put the country back on the "crooked path."

"Approaching 2016, it is once again up to us to decide our country’s fate—whether we will take a U-turn or continue along the straight path, and continue reaping the fruits of transparency and good governance," Lacierda said.