Pulse Survey: Duterte Takes Clear Lead, Cayetano Picks up Pace

PRESS RELEASE

19 April 2016

Duterte takes clear lead in latest Pulse survey, Cayetano picks up pace, increases lead in Mindanao

Presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte once again topped Pulse Asia's latest voters' preference survey, surging ahead of Senator Grace Poe by a whopping seven percentage points. 

The survey was commissioned by ABS-CBN and was conducted from April 5 to 10. It covered 4,000 registered voters nationwide, with an error margin of plus minus 1.5 percent. Duterte established a clear lead with 32 percent, which is a 2-point increase from his previous ratings in the March 29-April 3 survey.

Poe, meanwhile, trailed behind with only 25 percent. She was followed by Vice President Jejomar Binay with 20 percent and Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas, who got 18 percent. 

The tough-talking mayor was the top choice among all voting classes and remains to be the number one candidate in Mindanao, where he got 58 percent or more than half of the respondents’ total votes.

Duterte’s campaign team said while it is humbled by the latest survey results, it will continue to reach out to more voters. “We need to convert and convince others that the path to real change is through the unparalleled and decisive leadership that Mayor Duterte has been providing us," said Duterte's national campaign manager Leoncio Evasco Jr. 

Cayetano gains momentum

Meanwhile, Duterte’s running mate, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, also enjoyed an increased rating compared to the previous Pulse Asia survey. 

The senator’s numbers increased by 2 percentage points, from 15 percent in the March 29-April 3 survey to 17 percent in the April 5-10 survey. He also topped the survey in Mindanao, increasing his lead with 32 percent of respondents choosing him as their vice presidential bet.  

Political analysts weighing in on the May polls claim that Cayetano’s numbers could still improve, especially following his outstanding performance during the first vice presidential debate organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) held last April 10. #

Statement of Mayor Duterte Regarding His Recent Remarks

PRESS RELEASE

19 April 2016

Statement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte regarding his recent remarks 

19 April 2016

I apologize to the Filipino people for my recent remarks in a rally. There was no intention of disrespecting our women and those who have been victims of this horrible crime. Sometimes my mouth can get the better of me.

However, I will not apologize for the things I've done to protect our people, especially the weak and defenseless, from crime. I know what it can do to the victims and their families. The anguish and pain they cause. The trauma that can't be erased. I have witnessed these myself numerous times.

This is why I am angry. I am angry because horrendous things like this continue to happen to our women and children all over our land. And sadly, government has failed to protect them.

If you will give me the chance to lead this country, I promise to all of you that I will protect our women, children and families from the horrors and disorder of crime. I will do this even if I lose my life, my honor and even the presidency.

My life is an open book. I am a man of many flaws and contradictions. But when it comes to securing the lives and future of our countrymen and women, you can trust me to do the right thing. I will fight for the people until my last breath. ###