Can Noynoy Aquino maintain the 50% lead he's enjoying in the surveys till election time?

Amadeus Pasimio Plete, Vigan City: Sen. Noynoy can maintain the 50-per cent lead until election time if the opposition remains solid and his campaign platform focuses on the general welfare of the Filipinos.

Eufrocino Linsangan, Isabela: I don’t think so. Noynoy may be at the forefront today, but as the yellow fever slowly fades before election day, so will Noynoy’s lead.

Many think he can be a great leader

Geraldine Ruelos, Metro Manila: I think he can maintain his 50 per cent lead in the surveys because many people know that he can be a good leader for our country.

Imee Aglibot, USA: I guess he can, as his candidacy is actually a clamor from the people. Especially now that things are getting more complicated in other camps, Noynoy will for sure benefit from it and will continue to take a smooth lead.

Denice Victoria Reyes, Ilocos Sur: I think he can maintain the lead he is now enjoying in the surveys because many believe that he can be a good leader like his parents.

Kaye Antoinette Adviento, Ilocos Sur: I think Noynoy can maintain the 50-per cent lead because he has the good qualities of a leader. He is honest, God-fearing, intelligent and compassionate.

Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: I believe that his big margin might improve due to the LPs’ official declaration of the Noynoy-Mar tandem. Mar’s financial resources will boost their nationwide campaign along with the people’s support. The people’s trust in Noynoy will improve further, because Mar is the best running mate for him to uphold change in our government through good governance. I believe he may even gain a safe winning per centage of 80 per cent approval from the electorate.

He can’t be too sure

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: I hope he can. But I don’t think that lead is comfortable enough, especially if it comes from a survey.

Jimmy Donton, Puerto Princesa City: There is no assurance as to whether he can maintain his lead until election time. Surveys are unpredictable because public opinion changes.

Rex Earlou Calmerin, Iligan City: If I were him, I would not relay on ratings. What if the wind changes?

Mark Capistrano, Parañaque City: No, his lead will go down to less than 20 per cent.

Lolong Rejano, Marinduque: The 50-per cent lead may be good until the last day of filing of candidacy, but after that, it will be a different story because the trapos around him, plus the Hacienda Luisita issue, are bound to bring down his popularity in the next surveys until election time.

Dennis Montealto, Mandaluyong City: This may peak for now but can nosedive later. He better be careful of the company and alliances he keeps.

Surveys are misleading

Sahlee Reyes, Las Piñas City: I can’t say. His standing will probably still be on top but the percentage could be erratic, on account of the gullibility of the masa. However, I’m also hoping there would be no hanky-panky in the surveys.

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: Noynoy can’t maintain a questionable lead purported by doubtful surveys. Delusions over such perception of mass support could become his Waterloo.

J.R. Mondonedo Jr., Parañaque City: No, I don’t think so. Surveys are not accurate, especially if you’re dealing with millions of voters in the whole country. Maybe if he were enjoying a consistent 80-per cent lead, there is a good chance he will win unless he gets cheated, which is normal in Philippine elections.  

Randolph Hallasgo, Metro Manila: It’s just a survey; a pakulo of the media for people to sympathize with Noynoy. Besides, they only surveyed a few voters. I think he himself knows that the final countdown in the elections will be during the last hour. We should not rely on this alone.

Marc Avisado, Vigan City: Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s commanding lead is misleading. The quick surge is just an illusion being capitalized on to gain media mileage. It’s not from a nationwide survey. The SWS special survey was conducted from September 5 to 6 in Metro Manila, Region III, Region IV-A, and the Pangasinan province. He is not in the radar screen in the recent SWS nationwide survey.

Enrique Saldajeno, Quezon City: No, he can’t. Surveys fluctuate. Come election time, his lead will be +20 over all the others.

Ishmael Calata, Parañaque City: I have no trust in surveys. For one thing, the sample is a miniscule part of the entire population, and, for another, where did they get the data? The picture in Metro Manila is different from, say, Mindanao or Cebu or Central Luzon. But, if the figures for Noynoy were true, it’s difficult to tell whether or not he can maintain that lead. I’m sure the other candidates will not take this sitting down, especially those who have already thrown away part of their fortunes even before the official campaign period began. 

Rod Villar, Iriga City: I don’t think so. As I’ve been saying, surveys are nothing but just a tool to create a grand illusion and fake sense of victory for the recipient. Many things will still happen before election day, so it’s still premature to say that any aspirant can maintain the position in surveys.

He just needs to play his cards right

Mayee Vicuña, Muntinlupa City:  He’s got one of the brightest names in politics, has inherited the glorious clout of his parents, has Kris Aquino for a sister, Mar Roxas as running mate, and a member of the Arroyo Cabinet openly supporting him. With the right strategy, and the proper utilization of all the available resources, Noynoy is bound to lead the surveys, even more than 50 per cent.

Noynoy has to prove himself

Juan Deveraturda, Zambales: It depends on how he handles his political campaign and how he projects himself as a presidential candidate. People have high expectations of him because he is the son of two great Filipinos, Ninoy and Cory. Does he have charisma like his father’s? The people want to know if he has a vision for our country and if he can offer effective solutions to the many nagging national problems plaguing our people. More importantly, he should be able to convince the Filipino people that he does not belong to the league of traditional politicians.

Lance Yao, Quezon City: Noynoy’s 50-per cent lead in the surveys could be sustained if he publicly proclaims that he would nail the country’s untouchable economic saboteurs. Nobody among the politicians who are positioning themselves for the presidency is saying anything about this grave national concern.

Noynoy could be a fad

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: The survey is too presumptuous. I hope Noynoy isn’t just another flash in the pan.

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: Remember hot pan de sal, litson manok, Voltes V, Marimar, Guy and Pip, etc.? Filipinos are into fads. We go all-out kung ano ang uso. Noynoy is the latest fad. He can’t maintain the Ninoy-Cory momentum up to the 2010 polls, unless he marries a news legend like Mar’s Korina. Alam mo naman ang masa, ang gusto laging may bagong gimmick. Kris can help her kuya by arranging his marriage with a celebrity na mahal ng masa and will draw crowds during the campaign period. A la Vilma Santos for Ralph, Sharon for Kiko, and Imelda for FM.

Jarel Apelin, Vigan City: It would be very difficult for Noynoy to sustain his overwhelming lead over his opponents until election time since his opponents would exhaust all their resources just to get a bigger share of the pie.

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: To maintain that lead until election time? Never! Not even after the filing of candidacy. I do believe, however, that Noynoy can lead in Metro Manila using the well-attended emotional funeral cortege of Pres. Cory, but can this spill over to Visayas and Mindanao? Maybe yes, in Luzon, but Teodoro will share it.

Popularity and charisma are big factors

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: It won’t be a problem for Noynoy and his team to maintain the momentum until election time. Offers to contribute funds and to volunteer have been swelling. Noynoy doesn’t have the same problem as Villar who has to explain the C-5 insertion or overvalued sale of land to the government or Teodoro’s disadvantage for being an administration bet. Neither does he have to face a probe on some murder case. With Kris, Korina, and other showbiz friends’ help, the job will even be much easier.

Rey Onate, Palayan City: Noynoy can’t maintain it until election time. Don’t hallucinate; wala siyang karisma sa karamihan ng magsasaka at sa mga naghihikahos na uri.

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: Popularity is still a big factor in winning in an election and sister Kris could very well provide a big boost in that department. Noynoy is a sure winner!

He should stick to his platform

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: Surveys are relative and subjective that it isn’t sure if Noynoy can maintain it. We should be more concerned about the candidate’s platform of government.

Tino Abella, Masbate: Noynoy should concentrate on the transparency and sincerity issue, because I believe only he can rightfully claim to this. His 40-per cent standing is more than enough.

Cris Rivera, Rizal: I don’t care if he can’t. For as long as he’s focused on laying the foundation of his government of change, for, of, and by the people, he is my bet.

A demolition job can destroy his lead

Narciso Alano, Cabanatuan City: Yes, Noynoy will sustain his lead, but he should not relax a bit. The dirty tricks department of the Palace is working 24/7.

Romeo Nabong II, Saudi Arabia: No, Noynoy Aquino has yet to be unveiled by his opponents and the Hacienda Luisita issue is just the start of more serious allegations that might be thrown against him ahead of the elections. Once the demolition job on him kicks off, we can definitely expect a decline in his lead.

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: People generally have short memories except when it comes to money. I don’t think that Noynoy Aquino can maintain that lead.

That lead may even go up

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: Noynoy Aquino can most probably maintain his lead in the surveys until election time, or his lead may even increase. Erap’s rating will decrease and he may drop out. Villar will slide down due to controversies he is involved in. Chiz and Loren will not improve. Gibo may surpass some leading contenders, but he will not be able to catch up with Noynoy. The mass appeal of his parents, decreasing appeal of other contenders, and the increasing support of respectable personalities and groups will usher another presidential child to the presidency.

Richard Decena, Quezon City: Pwede rin po tumaas pa ang lead ni Noynoy sa dahilan na dumarami ang nagugutom at may matinding galit sa kasalukuyang namumuno.  

Louella Brown, Baguio City: Noynoy can even surpass his 50-per cent lead until election time because more and more are joining his bandwagon of faith in the Filipino.

Noel Banias, Makati City: If the present trend continues and the Yellow Army stays on track, then perhaps the lead of Noynoy would even increase considerably. That, plus the fact that Noynoy’s entry into the fray brings a whiff of fresh air, a promise even, to bring back sanity to the chaos brought upon us by the present dispensation. Like his mother, Noynoy could be considered a novato, a greenhorn in the ways of snake-pit-like Filipino politics, but one that could be what we need right now, like a shot in the arm to resuscitate a moribund political system in the country. I expect him to uphold his parents’ legacies and if only for that, his present lead in the surveys could just be the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

It’s all media hype

Leonard Villa, Batac City: No, his immense popularity at present is only an offshoot of Tita Cory’s death. Noynoy’s charisma is only an illusion, a media creation.

Erwin Espinoza, Pangasinan: What 50-per cent lead are you talking about? Do you believe that? Biased survey lang ‘yan. It’s also media hype na nangunguna si Noynoy Aquino.

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: And who bequeathed him that big, big margin? Is it one of those fantastic Ripley’s nightmares? Come on, be realistic.

G.M. Baliatan, Rizal: I doubt that very much. Besides, I don’t even think that Sen. Noynoy Aquino can have that fantastic lead over the other presidential wannabes.

It will take a lot of effort

Jenny Rose Arenas, Vigan City: I’m pretty sure Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s spot in the surveys, which he is very happy about, will be nearing its endpoint in the next critical months. The Reproductive Health Bill, the eternal Hacienda Luisita issue, and the recent political developments in both the administration and the opposition pose a huge threat to his candidacy. Senator, there is no time for sitting pretty!

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: I have my doubts about that huge lead, but whatever it is, maintaining it needs his constant and positive presence in the voters’ collective consciousness.

Lorenzo Fernandez Jr., Cabanatuan City: I’m afraid he cannot maintain that lead long enough. He must not cling to the Cory-Ninoy magic all the time. It’s high time he made his own magic before his lead wanes.

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: I hope so. There is no doubt that Noynoy has pure intentions and that he is really willing to serve the public with all his heart. Noynoy needs to double his efforts. He has to reach out to farmers and fishermen. I know he has a strong appeal and he should work on this more.

Marl Ramirez, Metro Manila: His lead in the recent survey will change. Other candidates will manipulate new results for their own advantage. He must work harder to keep the torch of hope burning among the Filipino people who are thirsting for change.

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: This is going to be the biggest challenge to Noynoy and his supporters. Sustaining the so-called yellow fever would take a lot of effort in terms of budget, manpower, media coverage, and linkages. If these are sufficiently provided, then he’ll be in a better situation to sustain it.

His parents’ legacies help

William Gonzaga, Marikina City: With the full support of the Yellow Army, Noynoy Aquino will definitely maintain high ratings until the 2010 elections. While other presidential aspirants may be categorized as the lesser evils, Noynoy epitomizes the ideals of Ninoy and Cory, which embody urgent reforms needed in government and society. Whatever deficiencies or difficulties he may encounter in governing the country, it is incumbent in all of us to do our share in surmounting such obstacles for our own welfare.

Osmundo Lim, Caloocan City: I believe so. We’re pro-administration and we give our full support to Pres. Arroyo. After the entry of Noynoy Aquino in the presidential race, my family and I will vote for him, not because he is the most qualified among the presidentiables, but because of our love for Tita Cory.

Lucas Banzon Madamba II, USA: Yes, Noynoy Aquino can maintain the lead since the memories of the democratic legacies of his dad, Ninoy Aquino, and his mom, Cory Aquino, will forever remain in the spirit and memory of the people.

Other bets won’t take this sitting down

Eddie Yap, Kabankalan City: I don’t think that Noynoy Aquino will be able to maintain his lead in the surveys. The other presidentiables will not take the race sitting down and they will leave no stone unturned to draw public attention. We still have a few months to go before election time and a sudden turn of events may transpire when you least expect it.

Romeo Coloma, Ilocos Norte: Other presidential aspirants definitely won’t take this sitting down. Other political parties have many working departments in their machinery, including demolition and dirty tricks departments. He may retain his top spot, but maintaining the lead is a totally different thing.

One mistake can ruin this lead

Eduardo de Jesus, Quezon City: A lot can still happen in the interregnum. All it takes is for Noynoy, or someone else in his camp, to put his or her foot in his or her mouth, and that lead will go pffft just like that.

Noynoy-Mar is the team to beat

Felix Ramento, Manila: With such a lead, expect his rivals to besmirch him with foul issues, whether true or not, if only to dislodge him from that lofty position. Under the circumstances, I would even venture to add that his lead would increase with Mar as his running mate. In retrospect, an Aquino-Roxas team or vice versa has long been overdue in our political setting.

Surveys create mindsets

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: He’s being overrated to condition the minds of voters. Whether the lead is real or not remains to be seen. But my sympathy for him is being wrecked due to crabby supporters.

Loi Castillo, Davao City: The media proclaiming Noynoy’s lead will definitely create a mindset among the voters. Other candidates have to catch up and build good representation with the media, so they will get more exposure like Noynoy, who is being supported by a big media company there in the NCR.

There are too many candidates

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: Any candidate won’t be able to maintain such a lead until election time considering the large number of hopefuls at this time.

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