Incumbent mayors leading in Metro races – poll

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila mayors running for reelection or other local posts remain the most preferred candidates in the upcoming elections, a survey conducted by RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) showed.

The survey result was released yesterday – a day before the start of the official campaign period for those running for local positions.

In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte is leading with 68 percent of support among survey respondents, compared to the 30 percent obtained by her closest rival, Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto obtained the support of 62 percent of survey respondents from the city, compared to 35 percent who said they support Vice Mayor Iyo Bernardo.

In Marikina, Mayor Marcy Teodoro had 56 percent of support, compared to the 43 percent of former mayor and Rep. Bayani Fernando.

Other incumbent Metro Manila mayors who are leading in their respective races are Makati’s Abby Binay (98 percent), Las Piñas’ Imelda Aguilar (95 percent), Pateros’ Mayor Ike Ponce III (87 percent), Pasay’s Emi-Calixto Rubiano (90 percent) and San Juan’s Francis Zamora (96 percent).

Some lawmakers also emerged as the most preferred candidates in their respective mayoralty races. They include Valenzuela Rep. Weslie Gatchalian (95 percent), Navotas Rep. Rey Tiangco (87 percent) and Parañaque Rep. Eric Olivarez (80 percent).

Caloocan Rep. Dale Malapitan (77 percent) is leading against Rep. Edgar Erice (22 percent), while former mayor and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano (72 percent) is leading against former representative Arnel Cerafica (26 percent).

Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon obtained 76 percent of support, compared to his closest rival Red Mariñas with 22 percent.

In Manila, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna is leading with 53 percent against former representative Amado Bagatsing with 25 percent and Alex Lopez with 20 percent.

Former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. is also leading the race in Mandaluyong City with 97 percent of support among respondents.

In Malabon, Councilor Enzo Oreta – brother of outgoing Mayor Antolin Oreta – is trailing former vice mayor Jeannie Sandoval with 43 percent and 56 percent, respectively.

Outgoing Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan and Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, who are both running for Congress, are also leading in their respective races, with both obtaining 90 percent of support of the respondents.

According to RPMD, the survey was conducted from March 15 to 22 using face-to-face interviews of 10,000 respondents selected through random sampling.