IN a survey conducted by Istratehiya Inc. from March 17 to 20, Arjo Atayde is leading the congressional race in Quezon City’s District 1 (QCD1) by 74.9% while incumbent Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte scores at 73%.
The survey was done on the basis of the reasons in voting for a political candidate which include the ability to help others, hard work, the capacity to understand the plight of the poor, intelligence, honesty, toughness, religious belief, not being a traditional politician, and the ability to elicit inspiration that is both positive and uplifting amongst many other criterion.
With the campaign taking a break this Holy Week, Atayde thanked volunteers for supporting his campaign, and stressed that he would continue to focus on informing voters on what he plans to do for the district instead of responding to negative campaigning.
Atayde reveals that supporters had informed him that black propaganda is being circulated in response to reported surveys that show that he is now leading the congressional race in QCD1.
“Hindii ko na po pinapansin ang mga anonymous na naninira sa akin; my focus is to inform the voters about what I plan to do for the district,” says Atayde.
“Right now what the families of QCD1 needs is H.E.L.P., not black propaganda. Hindi po nakakatulong ang black prop. Ang kailangan po nga taga-Distrito Uno ay tulong, hindi tsismis.”
Atayde points out that H.E.L.P. sums up the thrust of his platform and programs for QCD1: Health, Education, Livelihood, and Peace and order.
“Based on our conversations and discussions with the residents of the district, these are the top concerns in the area, kaya ito po ang ating tutukan,” explains Atayde. “When we resume the campaign after the Holy Week break, we will start discussing the specifics of these programs, but definitely, these will center on providing H.E.L.P.”
In October 2021, when Atayde filed his certificate of candidacy, Atayde reveals that as he conducted aid distribution programs as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he realized that the district needed different forms of assistance.
Atayde says that as the district’s representative in Congress, he will focus on working with national agencies and the QC local government to provide livelihood opportunities; to address public transportation woes in the area; to improve health care; and to extend educational assistance to QCD1’s youth.
“I am grateful that the survey shows that I am leading but I urge for voters to be vigilant and responsible,” says Atayde. “We still have several weeks until the day of the elections and we should not be complacent just because of favorable survey results. There is still much work to be done. We all have to work hand in hand in ensuring that a clean and honest elections will happen come May 9. Huwag po nating pabyaang nakawin ang ating boto.”