MANILA, Philippines – Presidential candidates Senator Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay welcomed the results of the recent Social Weather Stations survey showing all 3 candidates, including Mar Roxas, statistically tied at 23%.

In a statement released by Binay’s political affairs spokesman Rico Quicho to the media, Binay said he and his core group would “work harder and not be overconfident” in the months leading up to the 2016 elections.

“Vice President Jejomar Binay is grateful to the people who continue to support and trust him. The elections will be a battle for every single vote and the Vice President will continue to personally meet with the people around the country,” Quicho said on Wednesday, September 23.

Binay has been trailing Poe in past presidential preference polls.

Poe shared the same sentiment and thanked the people for “their continued confidence in [her] and [her] performance and hopes for the country.”

Asked if this is cause for concern for her camp, as she was far ahead in the game months earlier, Poe told Rappler she is “looking forward” to the next surveys. After all, the recent SWS survey was done between September 2 to 5, weeks ahead of her declaration of her presidential bid.

“I’m looking forward to the proceeding surveys where the respondents are already aware of my intention to run and have also had a preview of the programs I wish to promote and support,” Poe said in a text message.

Up to 26% of 1,200 respondents picked Poe, 24% picked Binay, and 20% picked Roxas, according to a report published by SWS media partner Business World published Tuesday night, September 22.

The ±3 margin of error of the SWS survey puts the numbers of Poe within the range of 23% to 29%, Binay from 21% to 27%, and Roxas from 17% to 23%. It’s a statistical tie with their numbers criss-crossing at 23%. – Rappler.com