Poe to continue to 'reach out' despite slide in survey

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Grace Poe on Friday vowed to work harder after sliding to second place in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) presidential survey.

The senator absorbed a two-point decline from 26 percent in December 2015 to 24 percent in January this year while Vice President Jejomar Binay took the lead with 31 percent.

Poe and Binay were tied at the top spot in the December 2015 survey with 24 percent.

Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II ranked third with 21 percent, followed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte with 20 percent. Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago remains at the fifth spot with 3 percent.

"I value the insights from public opinion surveys as an impetus to remain steadfast in my work and to continue reaching out to people to let them know about my platform and plans," Poe said.

Poe has been disqualified by the Commission on Elections from the presidential race due to residency and citizenship issues.

However, she insisted that she remains a candidate for president unless the Supreme Court rules against her case with finality.

"I also urge my supporters to help me spread the word that I remain a candidate for President in the upcoming elections and I am ready to serve the people," Poe said.

The Supreme Court recently ruled to affirm the temporary restraining order issued against the disqualification cases against Poe.