Despite advertising himself as presidential bet capable of wiping out poverty in the country, Nacionalista Party presidential bet Manuel Villar has been lagging behind poll surveys conducted by urban poor groups.

Instead, administration candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro and former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino are the favorites of leaders of urban poor groups.

Joven Pajora, president of the Parola Binondo Coalition Inc., told reporters Wednesday that majority of heads of urban poor organizations within Metro Manila who joined the series of poll surveys conducted by them, have aired the belief that Teodoro and Estrada can be relied upon to pursue government’s housing and anti-poverty programs that have been proven to be successful.

In six big events attended by leaders of urban poor groups held on March and early April, a total of 963 joined the poll surveys conducted after the meetings.

Pajora said Teodoro, former defense secretary, was the choice for president by a total 464.

On the other hand, Estrada, who emerged the favorite in surveys conducted in Baseco compound and Smokey Mountain, in Manila, received 306 votes.

Liberal Party presidential bet Benigno “Noynoy”Aquino III placed third with 127 while Villar, who claimed to have lived in the slums of Tondo, received 33 votes.

Evangelist Eddie Villanueva took 17 votes; Nicanor Perlas, 7; Sen. Richard Gordon, 6 and JC de los Reyes, 5. Sen. Jamby Madrigal received only one vote.

Pajora, who attended the launching of the Green Army brigade for Teodoro, said 56 were still undecided.

The surveys were conducted in urban poor areas in Baseco and Smokey Mountain, Manila; Sucat, Paranaque; Tonsuya, Malabon; Golden Ville Tower, San Jose del Monte, Navotas, Caloocan City and Pasay City.

“Marami sa amin ang hindi na naniniwala na hindi matatanggal ang korupsyon at kahirapan ng kahit na sinong uupong pangulo. Gayunpaman, malaki ang pag-asang maipagpapatuloy nina Gibo at Erap ang mga programang pangkabuhayan, pambahay at iba pang programang anti-poverty na ginagawa na sa ngayon,” said Pajora. (Many of us no longer believe that corruption and poverty cannot be eliminated anymore. However, we are still hopeful Gibo and Erap will continue the programs for livelihood, housing.