Alan Cayetano: Surveys are not a crystal ball

Pia Ranada

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Alan Cayetano: Surveys are not a crystal ball
'I’m confident with two more months, people have not made up their minds and will consider Duterte-Cayetano,' says the vice-presidential bet whose ratings dropped across all regions and economic classes

MANILA, Philippines – Vice-presidential candidate Alan Peter Cayetano downplayed the results of a voter preference survey conducted by Laylo Research Strategies on Tuesday, March 8.

The poll, conducted from February 24 to March 1, shows he lost support in all major areas and in all economic classes.

“A survey is not a crystal ball, nor is it the Bible. It’s not holy words, it’s just a guide,” he told reporters. 

The Taguig City senator pointed out that can’t predict who will emerge victorious on Election day, based on his experience of previous surveys.

“In 2007, Pulse Asia said Alan Cayetano will lose as a senatorial candidate, but I won, so they’re human,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“The survey measures only the sentiment today. It does not measure the sentiments tomorrow,” he added.

He explained his low numbers as the consequence of the much shorter time he has spent campaigning compared to his opponents, and his comparatively small resources. 

“Basically, our campaign with mayor [Duterte] started only on February 29 or March 1 because that is when we began using ads, that’s when we started Ronda Serye, and that’s when we really focused on our messaging, after the debates,” he said.

Ronda Serye is the campaign team’s name for a series of “message events” where the tandem dialogues with small groups representing niche sectors, like street vendors and farmers.

Since the start of February, Cayetano has attended at least 6 Ronda Serye events. He also joined Duterte in Butuan City and Cebu City events. One Duterte-Cayetano television advertisement began airing during primetime at the end of January. 

Cayetano also campaigned in Misamis Oriental, Tagum City, and Davao City during the weeks before the survey was conducted. 

In February, Duterte campaigned heavily in the Ilocos region, bailiwick of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, one of Cayetano’s rivals for the vice presidency. (READ: The simmering love triangle of Duterte, Cayetano, Marcos)

Cayetano is banking on the next two months to convince more voters to support him.

“I’m confident with two more months, people have not made up their minds and will consider Duterte-Cayetano,” he said. 

Surveys indicate that from 3%-4% of voters are still undecided on who to vote for if elections were held at the time of the poll. Cayetano said 30%-40% are still unsure of who to vote for on May 9. – Rappler.com

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Pia Ranada

Pia Ranada is Rappler’s Community Lead, in charge of linking our journalism with communities for impact.