In the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS), the results of which were leaked to the media yesterday, the ruling coalition kept its edge with eight of its candidates occupying the top slots in the winning circle of 13.
Former broadcaster Noli de Castro kept the No. 1 rank. The next eight slots are occupied, according to ranking, by PPC’s Juan Flavier, Franklin Drilon, Joker Arroyo, Francis Pangilinan, Sergio Osmeña III, Ralph Recto, Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and Manuel Villar Jr.
Former Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado is in 10th place, former Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara in 11th, former national police chief Panfilo Lacson in 12th, and re-electionist Juan Ponce Enrile in 13th.
Angara, Lacson and Enrile are running under Puwersa’s banner. De Castro and Mercado are independents, although they have been adopted by the opposition.
Within striking distance of the Magic 13 are Puwersa’s Miriam Defensor Santiago (No. 14), Ricardo "Dong" Puno Jr. (15), Gregorio Honasan (16), and PPC’s Ernesto "Boy" Herrera (17).
Enrile, Santiago and Honasan are among the 11 pro-Estrada senators who voted on Jan. 16 to block evidence showing the ousted president had amassed P3.23 billion in ill-gotten wealth in one year and in one bank alone.
The notorious vote triggered widespread mass protests that led to people power II and toppled the short-lived Estrada administration.
All previous SWS surveys showed a consistent 8-5 PPC lead over Puwersa.
Sought to comment on the results of the latest poll, Arroyo, who was a member of the House panel that prosecuted Estrada in his impeachment trial, said these mean that PPC is assured of eight slots.
"Mataas kami, No. 1 to No. 9. Hindi kami mahihila pababa (We are up, occupying slots 2 to 9. They cannot pull us down)," he told reporters.
He said it is Mercado, Angara, Lacson, Enrile, Santiago, Puno, and Honasan who will fight among themselves for the 10th and 13th places.
"Baka masagip pa namin si Boy Herrera (We might even be able to save Herrera)," he added.
Arroyo also said if there is any side which will cheat in the elections, it is Estrada’s Puwersa.
"Tingnan mo yung ticket namin, walang mandaraya doon. Ang mandaraya nasa kabila," he said.
He said it is Estrada and his candidates who have the money to launch a dagdag-bawas (vote padding-shaving) operation.