MANILA, Philippines - No one should claim victory before an election because it always holds a lot of surprises, Press Undersecretary Rogelio Peyuan said on Tuesday.

Peyuan reminded candidates who are perceived as election front runners not to confuse the warm reception they receive during campaign sorties with actual votes.

There will always be a crowd showing up in a rally because there are more than 92 million Filipinos, he explained, adding that a crowd is always there to see a candidate’s celebrity endorser, not the candidate.

Peyuan also warned candidates not to mistake the warmth of the weather for voter support.

It would be better for survey front runners to just enjoy their lead in the survey instead of fostering negative election scenarios, such as election fraud, Peyuan added.

Anything can happen, he said, adding that previous elections have proven that survey leaders can still lose.

Peyuan also thanked Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales for discouraging the staging of a new “People Power” revolt if there is a failure of election.

The prelate had criticized Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III for declaring that he would call for another "People Power" revolt if he is cheated in the presidential elections.