The Liberal Party is not alarmed with how its standard bearer has ranked in pre-election survey conducted by the Issues and Advocacy Center (The Center), which has claimed a “stationary dive” of Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino’s popularity above the other presidential candidates for the 2010 polls.

LP campaign manager and former education Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad Friday said he remains confident that Aquino will continue to enjoy a wide lead over other presidential candidates up to the May 2010 elections, as previously shown in surveys conducted by Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations.

It was recalled that the survey of The Center was the first pre-election survey after the Dec. 1 deadline of filing of certificates of candidacy. Prof. Ed Malay of The Center said the survey showed that despite Aquino’s seven percent lead over his top contender, Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar, his ranking is indicative of a “significant drop.”

“Surveys are only indicative of the sentiments of the people at a given time. It won’t influence voters preference since if you like a candidate, you will vote for him,” Abad said in the vernacular in an interview aired over radio DZBB.

The survey conducted between Dec. 2-6 among 1,200 respondents also showed that administration bet and former defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro garnered a 10 percent increase just like Senator Richard Gordon with eight percent and former President Joseph Estrada with 16 percent.

Abad said Aquino is not at all affected by The Center’s findings, saying Malay’s survey is incomparable with those conducted by the more popular Pulse Asia and SWS.

“Noynoy doesn’t mind if his ratings rise or flunk. He continues to work and work for his advocacies. What is important is his message of reform for the people. And since the recent surveys showed his lead, it appears that his message is clearer to the voting public more than the other presidential candidates,” he added.

Abad also claimed that Filipino voters are wise enough to be influenced by surveys, saying history has taught the public to vote based on their conscience.

“It is the message that should be the basis of our people’s voting preference and not mere surveys. If they only rely on surveys, that would be beneficial to us since Noynoy has been topping the polls but what is important is his message to the people,” he added.