Despite improvement in ratings, Mar still lagging behind

APAYAO, Philippines – It’s a glass half full.

Although the ratings of administration standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II have significantly improved, he is still lagging behind other presidential aspirants like Sen. Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay, and President Aquino would rather see the glass half full than half empty for his anointed successor.

At the same time, Aquino expressed hope that Poe would be able to answer the citizenship and residency issues raised against her so she would be able to run in 2016.

He said he would rather let the people judge Poe as a presidential candidate in the 2016 elections.

Aquino, who endorsed Roxas last July 31, said the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing the Liberal Party standard bearer’s numbers jumping from 21 percent to 39 percent, or an 18-point increase, could not be simply brushed aside.

“The point here, the 18-point jump, that is very significant. So even if he is number two now, the so-called numbers before were quite far. And I suppose a lot are able to see that the continuity that we are pushing for should really be pursued by the people,” Aquino told reporters here after inspecting the Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center as well as briefing the residents on the accomplishments of his administration.

The President said the local officials here did not support him when he ran for senator in 2007 and landed at number 19. When he sought the presidency in 2010, Aquino said he was number four.

But he stressed in a speech at the Bienvenido G. Verzola Jr. Memorial Sports Complex in Poblacion, Luna, that the province was still prioritized in terms of infrastructure and other projects.

He called on them to continue supporting the straight path, especially after six residents who benefited from the conditional cash transfer program, school building and road projects as well as farming and hospital services gave their testimonials in the presence of the President and other national and local officials.

Asked whether the issues against Poe could work for Roxas, Aquino conceded it was actually earning the senator sympathy, being a foundling, but she must really be able to answer the charges.

“I am just trying to be careful with what I say. Now, she is being obligated to show that her parents are Filipino citizens so you can benefit from the concept being followed – jus sanguini – you follow the blood of the mother usually,” the President said.

“So it seems fair to hope that the case she is facing now will be resolved soon, and in the end, she will be given the opportunity to let the people judge all those seeking their mandate,” Aquino said.

The President also clarified that he did not think Poe was a non-critic because the senator actually released a report finding him to be ultimately responsible for the Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident.

But it would be safe to say that others were not as professional as Poe because they would criticize him before, during and after any action.

“Grace is not like that. As much as possible, I suppose, she is of the view that she is doing her job and the professionalism (is there),” Aquino said.

P-Noy meets Robredo

President Aquino disclosed yesterday that talks with Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo on her possible team-up with Roxas are promising but still hanging.

Aquino confirmed meeting Robredo and her two daughters on Tuesday, along with Roxas and Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, to determine what was keeping the congresswoman from making a decision. 

Robredo’s daughters are openly against their mother running for higher office. Aquino said the youngest daughter was not around because it was her examination week at the Philippine Science High School.

“The discussion is good. Leni shared her concerns with us,” the President said, likening her to his mother, Corazon, who from being a housewife continued the fight of his father, former senator Benigno Jr. for the sake of the country’s democracy. – With Jess Diaz, Marvin Sy