Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) Congressman Win Gatchalian said the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey result showing Vice President Jejomar Binay is still the top contender for the presidential post is a form of vindication for the presidential front runner after several months of being at the receiving end of media attacks.

“There is no doubt that the SWS survey is a vindication of sorts for VP Binay. This only means that he has a solid base among the masses and more Filipinos are convinced that the allegations on the vice president are devoid of truth and politically motivated,” said Gatchalian, whose NPC is allied with the administration.

Valenzuela City Congressman Gatchalian added, “The fact the SWS survey was ‘unaided’, meaning the respondents answered the survey question from the top of their heads, is an indicator of VP Binay’s strong popularity among the people despite the continuous propaganda onslaught against his person and his family.”

The SWS conducted its survey from November 27 to December 1 using face-to-face interviews with 1,800 adult respondents. The respondents were allowed to give up to three names who they “think are good leaders who should succeed President Benigno Aquino III” during the May 2016 elections.

Vice President Binay, Senator Grace Poe, and Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II emerged as the people’s top three choices most likely to succeed President Aquino in 2016. Binay led the survey with 37 percent, followed by Poe with 21 percent, and Roxas with 13 percent. (R. Burgos)