Sen. Pimentel predicts Duterte’s presidential victory

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, PDP-Laban president, said that Duterte’s victory is now likely, considering that he remains in top position in surveys. (Facebook photo)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A top official of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) boldly predicted the victory of presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte in the May 9 election.

Duterte is the standard bearer of the opposition PDP-Laban political party.

During a visit here Tuesday, Sen. Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III, PDP-Laban president, he said that Duterte’s victory is now likely, considering that he remains in top position in surveys.

“Given his two lead figures in the nationwide surveys and with only a few days to go before the local and national elections, the PDP-Laban is optimistic that the mayor of Davao City will be elected as the country’s next president,” Pimentel said.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey on voters’ presidential preference, Duterte maintains a lead of 33 percent, while his closest rival Mar Roxas of the Liberal Party got only 22 percent.

The same survey also has Grace Poe getting 21 percent, Jejomar Binay, 17 percent and Miriam Defensor Santiago, 2 percent.

Pimentel said that Duterte’s lead would translate to about five million votes that would ensure victory in the presidential poll.

In Mindanao alone, PDP-Laban has targeted 80 percent of the island’s voting population to choose Duterte, Pimentel said.