Go improves in SWS survey

MANILA, Philippines — Former special assistant to the president Christopher “Bong” Go was inspired to continue serving the Filipino people after his ratings in the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey improved. 

“This will continue to inspire me to demonstrate true service to the people, and this includes continuing the programs of President Duterte,” Go said in Filipino.

Go, a senatorial candidate in the 2019 midterm elections, said that getting 14th place in the recent SWS survey is a big factor to him compared to his previous 24-26th ranking. 

He also thanked his supporters, friends and the Filipino people who believe in him as far as serving Filipinos is concerned. 

Some reelectionist senators were elated by the results of the latest SWS survey showing they were included in the top 12 choices of voters in the May elections.

Sen. Sonny Angara, who ranked third to fifth places in the SWS poll conducted last Dec. 16 to 19, expressed gratitude to those who continue to have confidence in his work at the Senate.

“This will serve as an inspiration for us to strive harder to push for the needs of each Filipino family, from free and quality college education, health assistance, decent job opportunities as well as support for our senior citizens and persons with disabilities,” Angara said.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, who placed 12th in the poll, said he was thankful for his ranking in the survey despite him not being able to spend for advertisements and having his estranged half-brother – former senator Jinggoy Estrada – joining the senatorial race.

Former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. placed seventh, equivalent to about 21 million votes.

Revilla thanked Filipinos who continue to support and trust him, especially after his acquittal on plunder charges by the Sandiganbayan.

Sen. Cynthia Villar topped the survey, obtaining a voter preference of 62 percent, estimated at over 37 million votes.

She was closely followed by Sen. Grace Poe, the choice of 60 percent of voters equivalent to about 36.4 million votes.

Sharing third to fifth places were Angara, Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano and Sen. Nancy Binay, who all obtained 40 percent.

Actor and former senator Lito Lapid was in solo  sixth with 38 percent voter preference, followed by Revilla.

Tied at eighth and ninth places were Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III and Estrada, both obtaining 34 percent.

Former interior secretary and senator Mar Roxas placed 10th with 28 percent.

He was followed by Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos in 11th place with 27 percent.

Capping the top 12 was Ejercito, who obtained 27 percent voter preference or equivalent to over 15 million votes.

Former senator Serge Osmeña placed 13th followed by Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV at 14th place.

Go ranked 14th to 15th, tied with former Bureau of Corrections head Ronald dela Rosa.

Tied at 17th and 18th places were former presidential political affairs adviser Francis Tolentino and former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, both having obtained 16 percent.    

Senatorial candidates with single-digit voter preferences were volunteer doctor and former STAR columnist “Doc Willie” Ong, singer Freddie Aguilar, former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, former broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad, former congressman Neri Colmenares, Melchor Chavez, Dado Padilla, Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, Lemy Roxas, Larry Gadon, women’s rights advocate Samira Gutoc, human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, and former interior chief Rafael Alunan.

Meanwhile, Go visited fire victims in Barangay South Dadiangas, General Santos City and provided assistance to them including clothes, shoes, grocery items, food packs, meals and cash assistance. 

Go also assured fire victims of assistance from the National Housing Authority and from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. – With Paolo Romero