Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Saturday expressed his gratitude to Filipinos for his rise in the latest Pulse Asia survey.

“I say this to you: Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong buo at walang sawang pagtitiwala at pagsuporta sa amin ni Leni (Thank you very much for your full and unwavering trust and support for me and Leni Robredo). Thank you for believing in us,” said Roxas, whose numbers’ rose by two percent from the previous survey.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey released on Friday, Roxas, who got 20-percent voter preference, statistically tied with rival Sen. Grace Poe who had 22 percent.

“They said we had no chance. They said nothing will happen to Mar and Leni,” he said, referring to his running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Ma Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

“They believed they could undermine our gains, that they could make us forget who we are as Filipinos.”

He said the Filipinos’ votes on May 9 would reflect the future of the country.

“We are voting for the future of our country. We are voting for the future of our children. We are voting for all hardworking Filipinos who deserve more than what they are getting.”

Roxas urged his supporters to continue to campaign for him and his running mate.

“To everyone campaigning for us and helping us, I have more to ask of you. Please do not stop. Let us continue knocking on doors, making phone calls, talking to anyone and everyone we meet,” he said.

“Don’t be afraid. We are fighting the good fight. We are fighting the fight of our lives. Let our passion for the future of our country show in all our conversations, whether it be online or offline, in virtual or real life.”

Roxas called on Filipinos to show the world that “there are more Filipinos who uphold dignity, honor and decency above all else.”

“Buo ang tiwala ko: Sa tulong at suporta ninyo, magwawagi tayo sa May 9! Tuloy ang laban. Ipanalo na natin ito! (I have full confidence: With your help and support, we will be victorious on May 9! The fight continues. Let’s win this!)” (Inquirer)