Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the late Philippine dictator, will skip another gathering of presidential candidates as he widened his lead in a survey conducted by pollster Pulse Asia Research Inc. in January.
Marcos, a former senator, was chosen by 60% of the 2,400 respondents, Pulse Asia said on Sunday, higher than the 53% he garnered in December. Vice President Leni Robredo, the opposition leader, came second with 16%. The survey was conducted Jan. 19-24, with a margin of error of plus-or-minus 2%.
Marcos, in a speech on Monday after the release of the survey results, repeated his message of national unity. Robredo's camp meanwhile said Sunday that the survey results didn't capture recent media interviews, and added that the vice president "has the clear momentum."
The survey was conducted before last week's decision by a division of the Commission on Elections that junked three petitions to disqualify Marcos. The people behind the petitions said they would appeal. The poll was also done before controversies over Marcos's absences in media interviews and forum.
Marcos will skip a February 27 presidential debate organized by CNN Philippines, the TV network said on Twitter on Monday, adding the rest of the nine contenders for the top post will attend. Early this month, Marcos also turned down an invitation to attend a media forum for candidates, citing a conflict in schedule.
The Pulse Asia survey also showed boxer and Senator Manny Pacquiao and Manila City mayor and former actor Isko Moreno tied for third with 8% each, while Senator Panfilo Lacson was 5th with 4%. The elections will be held on May 9.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte - Marcos' running mate and the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte - led the vice presidential race with 50%. Senate President Tito Sotto ranked second with 29%.
Asked who they would choose if their top choices for president and vice president do not continue with their candidacies, Moreno and Sotto topped the list.
