Late dictator’s son top bet for president based on SWS poll

THE SON and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos was the most preferred candidate for president, according to a poll by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The poll, commissioned by think tank Stratbase ADR Institute, Inc. showed that 47% of Filipinos would vote for former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. if the elections were held today, the think tank posted on Facebook on Monday.

Vice-President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo was far behind him with 18%. Manila Mayor Francisco M. Domagoso came in third with 13%, followed by boxing champion and Senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao with 9%, it said.

Senators Panfilo M. Lacson and Ronald M. Dela Rosa were tied in fifth place with 5% each.

Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III was the top pick for vice-president, with 44% of Filipinos backing his candidacy. He was followed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio with 25%.

Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan and cardiologist Willie T. Ong were tied at No. 3 with 13% each, followed by Party-list Rep. Jose Livioko “Lito” Atienza, Jr. (3%).

Stratbase did not say how many Filipinos were interviewed for the Oct. 20-23 poll. It also did not say what the error margin was. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza