Former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go.

Reelectionist senators yesterday expressed satisfaction over their latest ranking in the Pulse Asia survey, but among those who showed good momentum was former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

Go had a huge jump to the 14th to 16th slot compared to his 22nd to 27th ranking in September last year.

It cheers me that from the September 2018 survey of Pulse Asia where my ranking was at 22nd to 27th, this jumped to 14th to 16th

Go thanked the Filipino people for the trust they gave him following the release of the 14 to 21 December 2018 survey of Pulse Asia.

“I am extremely thankful for the continued trust from my countrymen in my capability to serve the country,” Go said.

“It cheers me that from the September 2018 survey of Pulse Asia where my ranking was at 22nd to 27th, this jumped to 14th to 16th. I consider my huge jump came as a result of your continued support, not only to me, but also President Duterte,” he added.

Senators Sonny Angara and Joseph Victor Ejercito said the survey results serve as an inspiration for them to work harder.

Sen. Sonny Angara “We are very thankful for the latest results. With the new year and these results comes a new resolve to do better and work harder for our people’s benefit,” said Angara, who was ranked third in the Pulse Asia survey.

For his part, Ejercito said, “Being ranked 9-15, I am satisfied with the slow but steady improvement.”

Sen. JV Ejercito (Alfonso Padilla photo) “Considering that most of those on top have political ads already, I am optimistic that when I have political ads aired and when issues are ventilated, my performance and clean track record will pull me up,” Ejercito added.

Ejercito is optimistic of his chances, citing the upward trajectory of his ratings in the surveys.

“The trajectory of my rating is encouraging. It is slow but steadily moving up… I may not be leading but being part of the winners’ circle is more than enough inspiration to work harder,” he said.

Reelectionist Sen. Grace Poe topped the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted last 14 to 21 December 2018 among 1,800 respondents. Fellow reelectionist Sen. Cynthia Villar came at second.

Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) bets former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Ronald de la Rosa and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos pulled off a surprise after being ranked eighth to 15th.

De la Rosa’s ranking is expected to improve in the coming surveys following a strong endorsement from Mr. Duterte.

Former senator and now Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano was tied with Angara at third and fourth spots.

Reelectionist Senators Nancy Binay and Aquilino Pimentel III were tied at fifth to seventh spots with actor-turned politician Lito Lapid.

The Pulse survey and a similar SWS survey earlier had placed Go within striking distance of the coveted “Magic 12” circle in the remaining months before the May 2019 polls.

In another comprehensive nationwide survey conducted by DZRH, the flagship station of the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), on 17 November 2018 with 7,450 respondents, Bong Go ranked eighth in the senatorial race.

“I am more than happy in my steady climb in different surveys. We will continue helping our fellow Filipinos, particularly those in need. The results give me added inspiration and determination to provide the service that every Filipino deserves,” Go said.

However, Go said since it’s still four months to go before the May 2019 elections, it’s still too early and he won’t let the survey results affect his advocacy to serve the people.

GIVING LOVE Special Assistant to the People Christopher Lawrence “Kuya Bong” Go exhibits his distinct empathy during a visit to Trece Martires City, Cavite where a meeting with barangay officials was held. (Contributed photo) Likewise, he reiterated his vow to continue supporting President Duterte’s programs for improved delivery of services to the people and for genuine change.

The nationwide survey released by Pulse Asia is based on a sample of 1,800 representative adults, 18 years old and above, with a 2.3 percent error margin and a 95 percent confidence level.

Out of the 70 senatorial candidates included in the poll, 15 have a statistical chance of winning while all of these probable winners are either incumbent or former members of Congress, Pulse Asia said.

A big plurality of registered voters (43 percent) already have a complete slate of 12 candidates for the May polls.

Across geographic areas and socio-economic classes, it is only in Mindanao where more than half of registered voters (52 percent) have already identified the 12 senatorial bets they will vote for in the midterm elections. In addition, Filipinos are presently naming a mean of nine and a median of 10 senatorial candidates (i.e., out of a maximum of 12) whom they will elect in in May 2019. Mean figures range from eight to 10, while median figures vary from eight to 12 across the different geographic areas and socio-economic classes.