Rama unfazed by survey results

CEBU, Philippines - Following a recent university survey where Team Rama candidates apparently lag behind Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said surveys must not be taken seriously. Rama explained that surveys are “insights” that do not necessarily translate to actual votes come May 13 saying “the most important thing is hard work.” “Dili na lang ta maghisgot ana. Basta pag April 6, daghan ang tawo nga mitunga bisan wala mi presidente, bisan wala mi nanghakot,” Rama said hitting the BOPK and Liberal Party proclamation rally at the Capitol grounds where President Benigno Aquino III attended bringing along nine administration senatorial bets. Both Rama and archrival BOPK chairman Rep. Tomas Osmeña claim their proclamation rallies gathered more people. Rama added that service should be “from the heart and mind” adding that their party’s “pulong-pulong” in several barangays have “tripled and even quadrupled.” Instead of focusing on surveys which shows different results, voters and candidates must check the qualities of those who wish to become public servants. “Ang kinahanglang mahibaw-an mao ang tubag sa pangutana nga ang kandidato arogante ba or dili? Abusado or dili? Mamaligya sa CCMC or dili? Mupa-welding sa Basilica (del Sto. Niño) or dili? Mipanindot sa Carbon or dili? Mipasemento sa bukid or dili? Mipanindot sa NRA (north reclamation area) or dili?,” Rama said. Meanwhile, BOPK South District congressional aspirant Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa welcomed the results of the university survey that shows he is leading against Team Rama’s Atty. Aristotle Batuhan. “I have just said that the only way Totol can beat me is to make me disappear. It is based on our own survey results. Now, the independent survey conducted by Totol’s own alma mater, USC, affirmed what I said. In a way, the USC survey relayed a basic Christian message for Totol. That if you want the people to love you, be with them especially when they need you, not when you need them,” Abellanosa said in a text message sent to The FREEMAN.