City’s NP bets surge in latest survey
Nacionalista Party (NP) candidate for Vice Mayor, Councilor Jose “Joe III” Espinosa surged in the latest survey, virtually boxing out political opponent Julienne Baronda.
With 28.8% share in trust ratings and voting preference, Espinosa narrowed down the lead over Baronda now placed within the 3-4% range.
This, as from the January survey results Espinosa then got a 17.6% rating over Baronda’s 41.6% yet push forward today – survey showed a trend of increase for Espinosa and a significant decline on trust rating and voter preference for Baronda.
Survey period was last March 6th and 7th by the Random Access Consultants Inc. (RACI) as commissioned by Bombo Radyo Iloilo. Over-all results for the vice-mayoralty showed an 11% increase for Espinosa over Baronda’s 9% major decline with some 8 weeks to go before elections.
Survey results per district validated the Espinosa surge where voters’ preference generated an overwhelming turn-around. For instance in Lapuz, from 19% in January, Espinosa’s percentage jumped to 38%. In contrast was Baronda’s 42% in January and down to only 12% in latest survey results.
Similar scenario in Arevalo where Espinosa saw a 7% increase over Baronda’s 20% decline, in Mandurriao a jump of 21.3% for Espinosa over Baronda’s 14% decline and in Molo, a 16% increase for Espinosa over Baronda’s 14% decline.
Even the “particulars” on the voters’ preference showed a remarkable change in favor of Espinosa who generated an increase in both male and female voters. Baronda on the other hand noted a 5% decrease for male fans and 13% drop from female supporters.
“In the end, it will be credentials, track record and the ability to serve that will spell the difference. Credential-wise, track record-wise and ability-wise, Espinosa being a trusted lawyer has an easy edge over Baronda’s projected ‘showbiz’ appeal. Both certainly desire to serve the city but times have changed and it takes more than just sing and dance to woo the city voters now,” a City Hall insider shared.
