‘Filipinos are smart voters’

FILIPINO voters are intelligent and discerning, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said today as he expressed confidence he would win in the May 9 national and local elections.

Sotto, who is gunning for the vice presidency, said pre-election surveys and large campaign rally crowds do not guarantee a candidate’s victory.

“Malakas po ang kumpiyansa ko sa aking mga kaalyado at supporters. Naniniwala ako na kaya naming ipanalo ang laban na ito. Tiwala ako sa talino at kakayahan ng mga botanteng Pilipino na pumili ng tama at karapat-dapat na mga lider ng ating bansa,” Sotto said.

With the campaign period on the homestretch, Sotto said there is still time for voters to finalize their choices.

“Because of technology, in a matter of two or three days pwedeng mabaligtad pa ang isip ng mga kababayan natin. Merong ganun. I’ve seen it in the past. Not only in the presidential or vice presidential candidates but also in senatorial candidates and even in the local candidates” he said.

Sotto said there have been plenty of instances when campaign or crowd favorites end up losing to less popular aspirants after voters weigh their selections and find better candidates than their “idols.”

“I’ve seen surveys na bumaligtad. The classic example is the elections in Pasig City where Mayor Vico Sotto beat his very popular rival for the mayoralty post. In 2019, malayong malayo ang leading na kandidato kay Vico pero pagdating na ng eleksyon, nag-isip ang mga botante. Inilaban nila ang tama at nararapat,” Sotto said.

He also said: “Look at Pasig City now – it’s booming and has a bright future ahead. Pasigueños took a chance and they are now reaping the rewards. This is what intelligent voters bring to the table.”

“Alam ng taumbayan ang totoo. Kilala ng taumbayan kung sino ang tunay na magsisilbi sa kanila. Sa araw ng eleksyon, naniniwala ako na gagamitin ng ating mga kababayan ang kaniling isip at puso sa pagboto para sa mga susunod na lider na magtataguyod sa ating bansa,” Sotto added.