VICE President Leni Robredo is being viewed as the presidential aspirant for the May 2022 elections that is most adherent to Catholic values and beliefs based on a survey conducted by Church-run Radio Veritas.
According to the latest survey conducted by the Veritas Truth Survey (VTS), almost four in every 10 respondents in the online survey were found to view Robredo as following Church teachings the most.
"When asked 'who do you think among the current presidential aspirants for the 2022 national elections adhere to Catholic values and beliefs?' this nationwide survey reveals that VP Robredo got the highest score at 37 percent," VTS said.
Robredo was followed by her 2016 rival, former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at 27 percent, Senator Panfilo Lacson at 19 percent, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno at 9 percent.
Getting 1 percent each are Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Bong Go and Manny Pacquiao, as well as Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
The remaining 4 percent voted "none of the above."
All of the names included in the survey filed their certificates of candidacy for president, except Go and Duterte.
Go is running for vice president while Duterte is seeking reelection in Davao City.
In a statement, VTS head Brother Clifford Sorita said the survey should not be viewed as being indicative of whether or not the respondents would vote for the said aspirants come Election Day.
"At this moment, these results are simply the perception of the respondents on who among the current presidential aspirants for the 2022 national elections adhere to Catholic values and beliefs," said Sorita.
"This survey is not a voting preference survey," he added.
He, however, admitted that there is a possibility that such perceptions can turn into votes.
"If such religious convictions will be the primary motivators in selecting a candidate... meaning Servant Leaders choosing another Servant Leader, then this could readily translate to votes," said Sorita.
The VTS survey was conducted among 2,400 respondents nationwide during the entirety of October 2021.
The survey, which had a 3 percent margin of error, was done through an online data gathering process. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)