MORE than half of Filipinos would vote for the only son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos for president, according to a poll by the OCTA Research Group.
Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. got 55% in OCTA’s Feb. 12 to 17 poll, which interviewed 1,200 adults, it said in a statement on Monday.
Vice-President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo was far behind with 15%. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso was third with 11%, followed by boxing champion and Senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao with 10% and Senator Panfilo M. Lacson with 3%.
Mr. Marcos was the most preferred candidate in Metro Manila with 55%. He got a 56% for the rest of Luzon island, 47% in the Visayas and 65% in Mindanao, OCTA said.
Ms. Robredo scored 12% in Metro Manila, 18% for the rest of Luzon, 24% in the Visayas and 4% in Mindanao.
OCTA said 29% of the respondents said they would choose Mr. Domagoso should their first choice for president drops out of the race. He was followed by Ms. Robredo (16%), Mr. Marcos (13%), Mr. Pacquiao (12%) and Mr. Lacson (11%). The poll had an error margin of ±3 points.
Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio was the top pick for vice-president, with 43% of Filipinos backing her. She was followed by Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III with 33%, Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan (10%) and cardiologist Willie T. Ong (7%).
Antique Rep. Lorna Regina “Loren” B. Legarda was the top choice among senatorial bets, followed by broadcaster Rafael T. Tulfo with 63%, Taguig City Rep. Alan Peter S. Cayetano with 61%, reelectionist Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri with 60%, Sorsogon Governor Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero with 59%, and former Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar with 56%.
Actor Robinhood Ferdinand “Robin” C. Padilla was seventh with 43%, followed by reelectionist Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian and former Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay with 39% each, reelectionist Senator Risa Hontiveros with 38% and ex-Senators Jose “Jinggoy” P. Ejercito Jr. (27%) and his brother Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito (35%). — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza