Malapitan tops survey for Caloocan mayor

MANILA, Philippines — Caloocan first district Rep. Dale “Along” Malapitan topped the mayoral race in the city, a recent survey by a research and political management team showed.

Based on the poll conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. from April 8 to 11, Malapitan received 65 percent preference vote compared to his rival, second district Rep. Edgar Erice who got 31 percent.

Even in Erice’s own district, the pollster said Malapitan secured 53 percent preference vote, higher than the former’s 44 percent vote.

President Duterte formally endorsed Malapitan for Caloocan mayor during the PDP-Laban grand rally in the city.

Malapitan consistently led with favorable margins in several independent surveys.

“For the first time in the history of Caloocan, the people are calling for the continuity of the current administration,” he said.

He is the son of incumbent Mayor Oscar Malapitan, who is on his third and final term.

In Navotas, Rep. John Rey Tiangco led the Publicus Asia survey for mayor with 57 percent preference vote followed by Mario Camacho with 21 percent and Raymond Emil Cruz with 15 percent.

In Valenzuela City, first district Rep. Wes Gatchalian would win as mayor if the elections were held today as he garnered 82 percent preference vote against his contender Bombit Bernardo.