Philippines elections is by popularity

Do you believe that elections in the Philippines is dictated by popularity? That you can only win an election in any position if you are popular with the voters? That is one flaw of democracy and the so called direct election where the people choose from the list of candidates.

In the present situation where elections will be held in May 2016, the leading personality is Rody Duterte, the mayor of Davao City. Second is senator Grace Poe followed by vice president Jojo Binay. The administration's candidate, Mar Roxas, is in 4th place all the time, seemingly not in a good position to be the next president of the country.