Former Philippine Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, son of the late dictator, has kept his huge lead in the presidential race, favoured by 60% of respondents in last month’s survey by pollster Pulse Asia Research Inc.
Marcos’s support was steady compared to a similar survey in January. His closest rival, Vice President Leni Robredo was favoured by 15% of respondents in the recent poll, while third-placer Manila Mayor Isko Moreno got 10%.
Marcos’s message of unity helped him maintain his lead, his camp said in a statement Monday. Separately, Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez said the survey didn’t capture the “clear momentum” of their campaign shown by recent rallies.
The survey was conducted from Feb 18 to 23, the first one after campaigns officially started. It also came after Marcos’s absences in an interview and a forum organized by the media. The national elections will be held on May 9.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, the president’s daughter and Marcos’s running mate, widened her lead in the vice-presidential race, getting 53% in the survey. Her closest rival is Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto, whose support fell to 24%.