Genuino downplays Binay son's lead in survey

MANILA, Philippines - Makati City mayoralty candidate Erwin Genuino downplayed yesterday the result of a Pulse Asia survey showing that 62 percent of voters prefer Councilor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., who is seeking to succeed his father as Makati mayor.

Genuino, running under the Bigkis Pinoy party, said commissioned surveys are “obviously biased” and are designed to advance the political interest of his rivals.

“The ultimate question every Makati resident should ask is this – Are we better off now than we were 24 years ago when the Binays took office? We deserve more and better from the people we have elected to serve us all throughout these years,” Genuino said.

The Pulse Asia survey showed Binay’s erstwhile ally, Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, garnering 17 percent of votes; Genuino and former congressman Agapito “Butz” Aquino, three percent each; and Edmund Tagalog, one percent.

Genuino, son of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman Ephraim Genuino, said the choice of the city’s next leader is decided by voting and not by surveys.

Genuino ran but lost in Makati’s second congressional district to Binay’s daughter, lawyer Marlen Abigail Binay, in the 2007 elections. – Jose Rodel Clapano