SWS explains why it uses 'choose 3' method for presidential survey

An official of the Social Weather Stations on Tuesday explained why the polling firm asked respondents to pick three names for its presidential preference surveys.

 

SWS director Leo Laroza told GMA News Online in a phone interview that it asked respondents to give three names that they think can be good successors for the presidency so as not to limit their choices.

 

"We don't want to use a list kasi kapag list, huhulaan namin kung sinong tatakbo," he said, noting that it is a method the firm has used in 2007.

 

"Wala kaming ibinigay na list para patas at pantay-pantay (for prospective candidates), at para hindi limited 'yung choices ng respondents sa leaders na sa tingin nila ay nararapat," Laroza added.

 

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who will run for vice president next year, had earlier publicly questioned the SWS methodology.

 

"I just don’t understand why SWS insists on doing a 'choose 3' survey in a 'one-on-one' position," Escudero told GMA News Online.

 

He added that "the outcome might not be the same for a different question like choose one." 

 

Laroza said the SWS may be able to provide respondents with a list in its next quarterly survey, as the Commission on Elections is expected to have released the official list of presidential candidates by then.

 

The latest SWS survey, conducted September 2 to 5, showed Senator Grace Poe, Escudero's running mate, ahead of the pack at 47 percent.

 

Meanwhile, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas surged to second place with 39 percent while Vice President Jejomar Binay slid to third with 35 percent.

 

The three officials have declared their intent to run for president in 2016, with Poe making her announcement last week, before the latest SWS poll was conducated.

 

At the time of the survey, Roxas — the presumptive standard-bearer of the Liberal Party — had been anointed by President Benigno Aquino III as his preferred successor. Party stalwarts have ascribed his higher ratings to this.

 

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who declared on September 7 that he would not be seeking the presidency, remained the fourth choice at 16 percent.  —JST, GMA News