A recent survey of an independent pollster showed that 12 incumbent mayors in the National Capital Region who are seeking re-election or running for other positions enjoy a “commanding lead” over their political rivals.
RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. identified these local chief executives as Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, Toby Tiangco of Navotas City, Oca Malapitan of Caloocan City, Emi Calixto-Rubiano of Pasay City, Francis Zamora of San Juan City, Mel Aguilar of Las Piñas, Abby Binay of Makati City, Marcy Teodoro of Marikina City, Vico Sotto of Pasig City, Menchie Abalos of Mandaluyong City, Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela City and Ike Ponce of Pateros.
Belmonte received a 68 percent voting preference against Rep. Mike Defensor, who got 30 percent.
Tiangco, who is running for Congress, scored 90 percent as against Gardy Cruz, who received only 8 percent.
Malapitan, who is also running for Congress, received 90 percent against Alou Nubla, who got 9 percent.
The other local chief executives got the following scores; Aguilar at 95 percent, Binay at 98 percent, Calixto-Rubiano at 90 percent, Teodoro at 56 percent, Sotto at 62 percent, Ponce at 87 percent, and Zamora at 96 percent.
According to RPMD’s Paul Martinez, incumbents offer the electorate their track record.
“It’s simple for voters to choose incumbents because their track record is something they are familiar with and trust. Alternative candidates face huge hurdles in convincing voters,” he said.
The survey was conducted from March 15-21 with randomly selected registered voters in Metro Manila as respondents.