UN chief advocates better use of groundwater

Less Marcos Jr. Advantage for Philippine President

Manila, 06.04. (Prensa Latina) A poll by consulting firm Pulse Asia released today found that Philippine presidential candidate Ferdinando Marcos Jr.’s clear lead has been narrowed in favor of current Vice President Leni Robredo.

The country’s late dictator’s namesake son showed 56 percent support, down from 60 in the polls in January and February, while Robredos grew 24 percent from 15 the previous month.

Pulse Asia’s investigation contacted 2,400 people between March 17 and March 21, before Marcos Jr. skipped two presidential debates.

According to the investigation, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso; Former pro boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and Senator Panfilo Lacson received just 8.0, 6.0 and 2.9 percent support, respectively.

Jr. Vice President Sara Duterte Carpio, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, remained the top choice for vice president with a 56 percent preference, while Senate President Vicente Sotto came in second with 20 percent.

The Philippine Constitution states that the President and Vice President are elected separately, so each should be successful on its own.

More than 67 million people, including 1.7 million living abroad, have registered to vote in the upcoming May 9 election, marking a historically high turnout.

Offices in dispute include the presidency, vice presidency, 12 Senate seats, 300 seats in the House of Commons and about 18,000 local offices.

mgt/LP