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A new survey by The Center again found Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Manny Villar and Liberal Party standard-bearer Noynoy Aquino tied at first place

A January survey by Pulse Asia first reported a statistical tie between Villar and Aquino.

The Center said in a press release that Villar and Aquino each got 27 percent support nationwide when 1,800 respondents were asked last Feb. 1-8 who they would vote for in the presidential elections.

17 percent chose Joseph Estrada, while 14 percent for Gilbert Teodoro, eight percent for Dick Gordon and three percent for Bro. Eddie Villanueva.

Other candidates did not figure among the respondents’ choices.

The Center said that the survey results prove its assumption that this year’s elections “will go down the wire”.

It noted “a very significant drop” in Aquino’s rating “from the time he emerged from a staged spiritual retreat to announce his decision to seek the presidency following the decision of [Mar] Roxas to slide down and run for vice president”.

“At the same time, the same 27% generated by Villar also shows that the respondents have already set aside whatever judgments they may have against Villar in connection with the Senate investigation of the C5 controversy given the fact that the period covered by the survey fell right into the maelstrom of public opinions that were related to the C5 issue,” The Center said.

Vice President

In the race for vice president, LP bet Roxas got 37 percent or nine points more than NP contender Loren Legarda.

15 percent supported Jojo Binay, nine percent for Bayani Fernando, four percent for Edu Manzano, with Perfecto Yasay and Jay Sonza obtaining fractions of one percent.

Senate race

The top 12 candidates for senator were Bong Revilla (49 percent), Mirian Defensor Santiago (47), Pia Cayetano (44), Jinggoy Estrada (43), Frank Drilon (42), Tito Sotto (39), Bongbong Marcos (39), Ralph Recto (36), Juan Ponce Enrile (34), Teofisto Guingona Jr. (33), Serge Osmena (32) and Ruffy Biazon (31).

The Center said 12 other senatorial candidates are winning striking distance: Lito Lapid (28), Sonia Roco (28), Joey de Venecia (24), Mon-mon Mitra (21), Jun Lozada (19), Gwen Pimentel (19), Toots Ople (17), Satur Ocampo (15), Gilbert Remulla (14), Liza Maza (14), Alex Lacson (14) and Adel Tamano (12).