Manila:With approximately 18 months remaining before the next presidential elections, Malacañang has downplayed the significance of a recent survey showing a narrowing lead for Vice President Sara Duterte over former Vice President Leni Robredo in a hypothetical 2028 presidential matchup. The Palace emphasized that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is prioritizing governance over election surveys.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that surveys are not a priority for Malacañang. Instead, the President is concentrating on preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, addressing the impacts of a very strong El Niño, the Middle East crisis, and other urgent concerns.
Castro highlighted the government's focus on resolving issues for the Filipino people rather than concentrating on survey results that indicate who is leading or trailing. She mentioned that the true outcome will only be known during the actual elections, dismissing the current surveys as premature.
The remarks were made in response to the latest Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research, which indicated Duterte leading Robredo by 40 percent to 33 percent in a hypothetical 2028 presidential contest. Castro also addressed questions on whether Duterte's impeachment proceedings might have influenced the survey results, affirming that truth and accountability should prevail irrespective of ongoing impeachment proceedings.
