Presidential aspirant and senator Manny Pacquiao expressed his optimism on Monday after ranking 3rd at 8% in the recent Pulse Asia survey on presidential bets conducted from January 19 to 24.

“We remain very optimistic because we are seeing a snowballing of support in the Visayas and in Mindanao,” Pacquiao said in a statement.

He said that his team is expecting to unite all Visayans, adding that he is the only Visayan aspirant among the presidential bets.

“Hindi po tayo nababahala sa mga lumalabas na survey. Lumalaban po ako upang ipaglaban ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan, lalung-lalo na ang ating mga mahihirap,” he said.

“We will continue campaigning for the future of our nation,” he added.

Pacquiao noted that his camp is not basing his campaign on other politicians but on the support of regular people. 

Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. ranked 1st in the Pulse Asia survey at 60%, with Vice President Leni Robredo placing second at 16%.

Both Paquiao and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso are tied at 3rd with 8%, while Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson scored 4%. Ronald Espartinez