Elections 2010 update

A Malacañang survey reported that Noynoy’s Sept. 5 to 6 rating of 51 percent has gone down to 33 percent by Sept. 21. Veteran campaigner, DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno expressed the view that the euphoria from President Cory’s death will not last till election day. Recall that in the survey of The Center, headed by FVR PR man Ed Malay, Noynoy Aquino got only 11 percent. In that survey, Lakas-Kampi-CMD president Ed Ermita claimed that Gilbert Teodoro’s rating has gone up from 0.2 percent to about 5 percent, still way below four opposition presidentiables.

But definitely, Noynoy’s entry has eaten into the ratings of Manny Villar and Chiz Escudero. Major personalities, namely, DFA Secretary Bert Romulo, Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello Jr., former Sen. Letty Shahani, former Sen. Tessie Aquino Oreta, Villar endorser Boy Abunda have transferred to the Noynoy camp.

It looks like the NPC will push through with a Chiz-Loren tandem, raising valid questions as to how much chairman emeritus Danding Cojuangco will involve himself in the campaign with two nephews, Gilbert and Noynoy Aquino also running.

President Erap is 99.9 percent sure of running despite Ping Lacson’s efforts to derail his candidacy. He is resuming his Lakbay Pasasalamat today with a visit to Dagupan, Lingayen and Mangatarem, three big towns in vote-rich Pangasinan. He will be accompanied by Senate President Johnny Ponce Enrile. His visit is being organized by Joey de Venecia, Chona Perez Ampil, sister of Gina de Venecia, Provincial Board member Alice Pulido and Bobby Rodriguez. President Erap is finishing his movie Ang Tanging Pamilya co-starring Ai Ai de las Alas and Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao in time for a late October showing. President Erap is choosing from a shortlist of three vice presidentiables. Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is definitely running for re-election, not VP. Together with JPE, he will lead Erap’s senatorial slate.

Sen. Manny Villar’s camp is re-evaluating its campaign with Noynoy’s entry which has affected his No. 1 ratings. He is still looking for a vice president and may end up with either Sen. Pia Cayetano or Alan Peter Cayetano. VP Noli de Castro, Gov. Vilma Santos, and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada have turned down suggestions to run with Villar.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando is still strongly hinting he is still in the running for the presidency. VP Noli de Castro is in limbo and has lost his cool. The Lakas Originals headed by former Speaker Jose de Venecia are floating an Ebdane-Fernando combination. –Amb. Ernesto Maceda, Daily Tribune