PHILIPPINES NEWS SERVICE — ADMINISTRATION candidates have some catching up to do as they again got low ratings in the latest Social Weather Stations survey.
Sen. Manny Villar topped the survey, with 33 percent of respondents saying he is the best choice for president in 2010. He was followed by former President Joseph Estrada who got 25 percent. Sen. Francis Escudero and Sen. Manuel Roxas ranked 3rd and 4th with 20 percent and 19 percent rating, respectively.
Vice President Noli de Castro, who topped earlier surveys, was fifth, with 19 percent.
“I am really heartened by the support shown by the people in this survey. I thank the people for keeping the faith despite attempts to bring me down with unfounded allegations of wrongdoing,” Villar said.
The Nacionalista Party which Villar heads said leaders are strengthening the party and are exploring the possibility of forming coalitions and alliances with other parties.
Meanwhile, Cibac Rep. Joel Villanueva said political and media strategists of the administration party should double their efforts to boost the chances of their potential presidential bets.
Villanueva made the statement after the survey showed that administration’s possible bets like Sen. Richard Gordon, Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. only got one percent rating.
“The latest survey of SWS suggests that any Malacañang candidate has no place in the 2010 presidential race. For them to have a minimal chance, they have to work more than 24 hours a day to campaign for their bets,” he said.