Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar has once again emerged as the top choice among the senatorial candidates based on the results of the latest RP-Mission and Development (RPMD) Foundation, Inc. survey.
“Masaya po ako sa resulta ng RPMD survey. Malaking bagay po sa atin ang suporta at tiwala ng mga Pilipino, isang malaking karangalan po na manguna sa senatorial survey (I am happy with the results of the RPMD survey. To have the Filipinos' support and trust is a big deal, it's a huge honor for me to lead the survey)," Villar said.
Villar, son of former House Speaker and Senate President Manny Villar, garnered a preference rating of 63.7 percent, besting all other aspirants for the position in the upcoming May 2022 polls.
Villar was followed by Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero (58.2 percent), Antique Rep. Loren Legarda (57.9 percent), broadcaster Raffy Tulfo (55.3 percent), former House Speaker Alan Cayetano (49.6 percent) and Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri (46.1 percent).
Landing on 7th to 12th place were reelectionist Senators Win Gatchalian (45.3 percent), Richard “Dick” Gordon (39.7 percent), and Joel Villanueva (37.2 percent); former Senator Jinggoy Estrada (36.5 percent); former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (33.7 percent) and reelectionist Senator Risa Hontiveros (33.5 percent).
Just outside the winners' circle or the top 12 were former Quezon City Mayor Herbert "Bistek" Bautista (32.8 percent), former Vice President Jejomar "Jojo" Binay (30.1 percent) and film actor Robin Padilla (28.3 percent).
Villar was also the Filipinos' most preferred senatorial candidate based on the RPMD survey conducted from Nov. 16 to 24.
With his ratings dominance, the ex-DPWH chief said: "Asahan niyo na itutuloy natin ang 'Build, Build, Build' program at ang pagbibigay trabaho sa bawat Pilipino. Sabay-sabay tayong aahon sa pandemya (You can expect that the 'Build, Build, Build' program will continue to bring jobs to every Filipino. Together, we will rise out of this pandemic)."
Build, Build, Build refers to the Duterte administration's flagship infrastructure modernization program, where Villar played a key role in his capacity as former DPWH boss.
Villar is being carried by the ticket of fronruning presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.