Villar thankful for topping SWS senatorial survey

Senator Cynthia Villar said she is thankful for the result of a commissioned Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that she is the most preferred candidate for the 2019 senatorial polls.

“If it’s true, I am thankful. It’s still a long way to go but I am glad the people approve of what I do in the Senate and my projects outside of the Senate,” Villar said in a statement.

Villar ranked first in the senatorial survey sponsored by presidential adviser on political affairs Francis Tolentino, who would run anew for a Senate seat after losing in the 2016 national elections.

The commissioned poll coincided with SWS’ Third Quarter Survey conducted from Sept. 15 to Sept. 23. About 1,500 Filipino adults participated in the survey.

Villar got a 53 percent voter preference. She is followed by Sen. Grace Poe and Taguig Representative Pia Cayetano who tied on second to third place with 43 percent.

Those who also made it in the survey’s Magic 12 were Sens. Koko Pimentel and former Sen. Lito Lapid (4th-5th place); former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada (6th); former Interior Sec. Mar Roxas (7th); reelectionist Sens. Nancy Binay and Sonny Angara (8th9th); Bureau of Corrections chief Gen. Ronald dela Rosa (10th); former Sen. Serge Osmeña and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos (11th-12th).

Opposition Sen. Bam Aquino was rank 13, followed by Sen. JV Ejercito at 14 and Tolentino at 15.

Villar, who will seek reelection in the 2019 polls, said she will file her certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections office on Monday.