Reelectionist NCR mayors still top poll choices – survey

MANILA, Philippines — Most Metro Manila mayors running for reelection remain the most preferred candidates in the latest survey by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).

The survey, conducted from Nov. 16 to 24 with the results released yesterday, also showed incumbent congressmen running for top local posts as among the frontrunners in their respective races.

In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte is leading with 62 percent of support among survey respondents, compared to 30 percent obtained by her closest rival, Anakalusugan Party-List Rep. Mike Defensor.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto obtained the support of 67 percent of voters surveyed in their city, compared to the 32 percent who said they support Vice Mayor Iyo Bernardo.

Meanwhile, Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro has widened his lead against former mayor and Rep. Bayani Fernando, 48 percent against 41 percent.

Other incumbent Metro Manila mayors who are leading in their respective races were Makati Mayor Abby Binay at 88 percent; Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar, 85 percent; Pateros Mayor Ike Ponce III, 82 percent; Pasay Mayor Emi-Calixto Rubiano, 80 percent and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora with 75 percent.

Some lawmakers also emerged as the most preferred candidates in their respective mayoralty races.

They include Valenzuela Rep. Weslie Gatchalian at 85 percent; Navotas Rep. Rey Tiangco, 77 percent and Parañaque Rep. Eric Olivarez with 65 percent.

Caloocan Rep. Dale Malapitan, at 71 percent, is leading against Rep. Edgar Erice at 28 percent; while former mayor and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano is leading by 63 percent against former representative Arnel Cerafica who got 31 percent in the survey.

Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon obtained 62 percent of support, compared to his closest rival Red Marinas with 29 percent.

In Manila, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna is leading with 48 percent against former representative Amado Bagatsing with 31 percent and Alex Lopez with 14 percent.

Former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. is also leading the race in Mandaluyong City with 84 percent of support among respondents in their city.

In Malabon, Councilor Enzo Oreta – brother of outgoing Mayor Antolin Oreta – is trailing former vice mayor Jeannie Sandoval with 40 percent and 48 percent, respectively.

According to RPMD, the survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of respondents selected through random sampling.

There were 1,500 respondents in Quezon City; 1,000 in Manila and Caloocan and 850 in other cities. It has a margin of error ranging from +/- 2.53 percent to 3.36 percent, depending on the sample size.