Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 17) — Presidential candidate Ernesto Abella wants pre-election surveys banned as the 2022 polls near.
In an online forum on Thursday, Abella said these surveys can be used to influence how Filipinos vote on May 9.
“Para patas ang laban, dapat mahinto ‘yan. Alam naman natin na commissioned ‘yan eh. [For a fair fight, these should be banned. We all know these are commissioned.] Most of them, if not all, are commissioned,” Abella said.
Recent surveys on voter preference for president showed former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos in the lead, followed by Vice President Leni Robredo.
Abella, the former spokesperson of President Rodrigo Duterte, hopes to be invited to more debates and forums for a chance to present his plans for the country.
Among other economic and poverty alleviation programs, Abella said he wants to focus on boosting the country’s agriculture sector.
“Kung titignan mo sa ating budget, ang pinakamaliit na borrowing ‘yung agriculture. Gagawin talaga nating industriya ang agrikultura kung saan ‘yun ang magpapalaki ng ating revenue para lumiit ang inflation and all that,” Abella said.
[Translation: If you look at our budget, the smallest borrowing is in agriculture. We will really make agriculture an industry that would increase our revenue to reduce inflation and all that.]
Asked if he has a preference for vice president, the independent candidate said he is open to working with anyone.
