Press Release
July 22, 2009

Villar tops new survey on presidentiables
Villar heartened by results of SWS survey

Sen. Manny Villar topped the latest survey on perceived presidential contenders in the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations.

"I am really heartened by the support shown by the people in this survey. I thank the people for keeping the faith despite attempts to bring me down with unfounded allegations of wrongdoing," Villar said.

The former Senate president was the top pick of respondents, with 33% saying Villar is the best choice for president in 2010. The survey has 1,500 respondents. Villar's ratings went up seven points from the first quarter's 26%.

"This is heart-warming. It certainly invigorates me to work harder. A lot of our kababayans need our help here and around the world," he said.

In the Second Quarter survey, respondents were asked: "Under the present Constitution, the term of President Arroyo is up to 2010 only and there will be an election for a new President in May 2010. Who do you think are good leaders who should succeed President Arroyo as President?" No list was provided and respondents recommended up to three candidates.

Villar was followed by former President Joseph E. Estrada with 25% at second place, Senators Francis Escudero and Manuel Roxas with 20%, tied at third place. Villar's good friend, Vice President Noli de Castro, landed in the fourth place with 19% and Sen. Loren Legarda at fifth place with 15%.

The Nacionalista Party president also said, "While it is too early to say whether this trend will continue till the run-up to the May 2010 elections, I will do my best to live up to the trust and confidence given to me by our people."

Villar's ranking was reflective of the SWS survey commissioned by Villar in May where 29% picked him as the best leader to replace Arroyo in 2010. The survey polled 7,000 respondents nationwide.

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