Villar, Aquino tied in MST survey

The presidential race remains a tie between Nacionalista standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar and Liberal Party presidential bet Sen. Benigno Aquino III as shown by the latest survey of Manila Standard Today (MST).

The survey conducted Feb 20-26 with 2,500 respondents revealed that 34 percent chose Aquino while 32 percent chose Villar. It has a plus or minus two percent error margin on the results. Compared with the MST survey done in January, both candidates lost 2 points (Aquino, 36%; Villar, 34%).

Since December 2009, the MST survey showed that Aquino lost 12 points, while Villar improved in January when he gained 7 points.

"I'm happy that surveys have confirmed that we are responding to the hopes of the people across the country. During my campaign sorties in the provinces the people have shown that they are supporting our vision to address poverty," Villar said in reaction to the new poll.

The MST survey used the Comelec ballot format where respondents shaded the ovals corresponding to their preferred candidate, said MST resident pollster, Pedro Laylo.

The survey showed that Villar was not affected by the C-5 road controversy as the field work was conducted when the Senate Committee of the Whole report was being discussed.

At third place is former President Joseph Estrda with 16%, three points higher than last January. Administration bet Gilberto Teodoro also gained 1 point, with 6 percent.

According to Laylo, support for Aquino remains strong in Metro Manila, Southern Luzon and the Visayas Region. Villar continues to lead in North and Central Luzon, and remains the favorite of respondents aged 25-34.

There was an 8-point spread between Aquino and Villar in the upper and middle classes in favor of Aquino; a 4-point difference between the two in favor also of Aquino among the poor classes; and a tie between them among the destitute, the report said.