MANILA, Philippines – The latest pre-election survey results from Pulse Asia show Vice President Jejomar Binay as the top presidential aspirant for 2016.

According to the survey conducted December 4-11, Binay’s numbers rose by 14 percentage points to 33% – a significant jump from the last survey’s 19%.

The presidential candidate enjoyed a 10-percentage-point lead over Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and a 12-percentage-point lead over Senator Grace Poe. Both, however, practically shared the second spot, given the survey’s margin of error. (READ: Binay the man to beat in Pulse Asia survey)

The results also showed an increase in the number of people who preferred Binay in the major island groups. He even topped the survey in the National Capital Region (NCR), Luzon, and the Visayas – unlike the previous September survey where he did not emerge a preferred candidate in any of the country’s major island groups. 

The poll covered 1,800 registered voters nationwide with an error margin of ±2% and a 95% confidence level. 

What did Binay do between the two survey periods of December 4-11 and September 8-14? Rappler followed the Binay trail:

Click or hover over the number to read about Binay’s visit in the area. Note that the events are labeled in chronological order.

1. National Capital Region

On October 13, Binay visited Hardin ng Pag-asa in Mandaluyong City.

A day before, on October 12, he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president at the Commission on Elections with Senator Gringo Honasan. (READ: 1st nat’l tandem to file: Binay-Honasan) 

On November 11, Binay celebrated his 73rd birthday with residents of Barangay 60 in Pasay City.

On December 11, he spoke at the Galing Pook forum at the Ateneo De Manila University and talked about countryside development. (READ: Binay wants mega infrastructure projects for each region)

2. Luzon

On September 15, Binay was at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños for the “Forum on Governance, Transparency and Social Transformation.” 

The event went viral as he was questioned by students about allegations of graft and corruption, among others. (READ: Students roast Binay at UPLB forum: ‘Wala namang ganyanan’)

On September 23, Binay attended the Family Day celebration at the Bacoor Coliseum in Cavite.

From October 20 to 22, he went to Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Isabela to “provide relief and assistance” to those affected by Typhoon Lando. He pledged to replace crops lost by farmers during the typhoon with hybrid rice seedlings in Isabela, his hometown. (READ: Binay in hometown after typhoon: Alternative aid to farmers needed)

The province of Nueva Ecija was the hardest hit with 2,935 houses destroyed. Total damage in all affected provinces was estimated at P6 billion ($126 million)*.

From November 12 to 16, the presidential aspirant visited municipalities in La Union affected by Typhoon Lando. He also pledged to help the farmers who lost their crops.  

He likewise rallied for salary increases for teachers when he spoke at the centennial celebration of San Alberto Magno Academy and even highlighted the progress of the province when it comes to battling poverty and hunger. 

On November 21, Binay visited Batangas and met with 19 local government officials where he discussed the possibility of revisiting the Local Government Code. If elected president, he pledged to review the possibility of increasing the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of 3rd to 5th class municipalities.

On December 4, Binay attended the wifi system launch of Cavite State University-Rosario Campus where he promised nationwide wireless Internet connection once elected. 

On December 5, he spoke at the 3rd anniversary of the Kababaihan ng Maynila at the Folk Arts Theater.

On December 5 and 6, Binay had a “gathering of friends” at the Dimasalang Park in Antipolo City together with his UNA slate. He even visited the famous Hinulugang Taktak. 

3. Visayas

Binay gained the most in the Visayas, the latest Pulse Asia survey showed, as his numbers increased by 18 percentage points.

From November 5 to 8, Binay was the most visible presidential aspirant during the 2nd anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) in the Visayas.

He visited areas in the provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte where he met with residents, sectoral groups, and LGU officials. (READ: Binay, opposition lead Typhoon Yolanda commemoration)

According to the Office of the Vice President (OVP), Binay also went to the Visayas State University and turned over wheelchairs and medical equipment to the Office of Senior Citizens’ Affairs of Abuyog, Leyte.

On December 8, Binay went to Negros Oriental to meet with university students, LGU officials, and representatives of sectoral groups. 

4. Mindanao

On October 4, Binay launched the United Nationalist Alliance in Cagayan de Oro. He also promised to help the completion of ongoing projects in the province and region. (READ: Binay vows int’l airport in CDO, solution to Mindanao power woes)

On October 25, Binay attended the 8th Alpha Phi Omega Mindanao Alumni Fellowship and the opening of the National Scout Jamboree in Tagum City, Davao.

From November 27 to 28, meanwhile, he was in Sarangani and General Santos City.

Aside from attending the Boy Scouts of the Philippines’ Provincial Jamboree and the Overseas Filipino Workers’ Family Day, he also met with LGU officials and sectoral groups, including tribal chieftains, farmers, fisherfolk, and vendors in local public markets in the province.

Binay has been known for focusing on places outside the Philippine capital, running a low-key, under-the-radar campaign. What he has been doing is no different from what he did in 2010.

With less than 5 months before the 2016 elections, can other presidential aspirants catch up? – Data visualization by Alyssa Arizabal and Michael Bueza/Rappler.com

Sources: Office of the Vice President, various news reports

*$1=P47