Grace Poe: I have no money, pol machinery but I have a dream

Video by Domingo Morcoso

EXCEPT for a “dream,” Senator Grace Poe said she has no machinery or money to finance a possible run in 2016.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you but at this juncture, I still have a lot to consider. I know some people are saying, pakipot ka lang…this is not an easy decision to make,” Poe said in an open forum in Makati City when asked about her political plans next year.

“I don’t have a machinery, I don’t have the money but what I have is a dream…” she said.

“Am I ready? Not yet because by the time that I announce and for what position, I’d like to have a complete program of government that the people can use as a basis to determine if I’m worthy or not…” the senator added.

Poe also pointed out that while the presidency is a privilege, she said, “I think, it’s abnormal for anyone to desire.”

“It’s a big challenge. Six years of their life almost being in a convent. You always have to be detached in a way but also emerged at the same time. It’s not easy,” she said.

And while deciding whether to run for a higher post in 2016, Poe noted that her detractors were concentrating on her “eligibility” to run.

“And I’d like to thank my detractors because they actually brought it to the consciousness of the people. It has given me a chance to explain my side, to defend myself…” she said, apparently referring to the residency and citizenship issues raised against her by Vice President Jejomar Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

“But definitely, if it goes to the court, I’m ready to defend it,” the senator added.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, interim president of UNA, claimed that Poe was not qualified to seek a higher post next year because she did not meet the 10-year residency requirement of the Constitution. Tiangco later apologized for raising the issue. AC