Survey results should not be treated as the virtual results of the May 9 national elections, as some parties are using these to condition the minds of the electorate ahead of the actual polls, Partido Reporma president and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez said.
“They should think the elections are on May 9, which is still a long way off,” said the former House Speaker.
He noted that people can change two months, one month before, two weeks before, three weeks before, one week before or even a day before the election.
“They can still change their minds,” he said.
He slammed the “dirty tricks” of Partido Reporma’s rivals so that party chairman and standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson would stop his campaign and withdraw his presidential bid, of which he was the first to declare so, along with running mate Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto last September.
Alvarez was addressing feelers sent by critics through the media that Lacson should withdraw from the 2022 presidential race since he has been lagging behind surveys.
He also denied reports on supposed new negotiations with Lacson and Sotto with the camp of Vice President Leni Robredo, who is seeking to unite the so-called opposition ahead of the May polls.
Alvarez assured that their party remains strong, and their supporters remain firmly behind Lacson’s candidacy, believing the longtime public servant has the ability, bravery, honesty, and experience to carry out the reforms the country needs.
The Davao del Norte congressman sees no reason for Lacson to halt his campaign because there is time left to improve his numbers all the way to May.
“Of all the candidates, brother – and we have discussed this a lot – Senator Ping is the only one most qualified for the position (of President). For me, as I said, whatever happens, we should not stop (campaigning) because if we stop, we are depriving the voters of the opportunity to choose the right leader in the May 9 elections,” he said.
In past elections, some candidates have asked to stop the release of pre-election survey results as these create a “bandwagon propaganda” for the leading candidate to eventually get elected to office.
But for Lacson and Sotto, whatever the survey results are, they will continue their campaign not only to introduce and push their platform of governance, but also to guide the Filipino voter on the right candidates to choose come Election Day, Alvarez said.