Poe to focus concern on clear, present challenges

Sen. Grace Poe. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA

While “humbled” by her continued top ranking in surveys, Senator Grace Poe opted to focus on more important numbers pertaining to the pressing problems of the country.

“We are humbled and grateful for the continued support of our people,” Poe said in a statement on Saturday, reacting to the latest Pulse Asia survey.

“It is uplifting that women are being recognized as effective, decisive and compassionate leaders,” she added.

Poe topped the list of possible contenders on the recent senatorial pre-election survey for the May 2019 elections with 70.1 percent of voter preference.

READ: Poe tops Pulse Asia 2019 senatorial pre-election survey

Despite her consistent high ranking in the surveys, Poe stressed that it is more important to focus on the numbers concerning “clear” and “present” problems.

“The more important numbers which should concern us today are inflation, prices of goods, employment, fuel prices, and the damage caused by Ompong,” Poe said.

“Let us focus on clear and present challenges,” she added.

READ: Inflation hits new 9-year high of 6.4% in August

Meanwhile, a week after typhoon “Ompong” (international name: Mangkhut) entered the country on September 12, the cost of damage to public infrastructure reached P2.74 billion.

READ: ‘Ompong’ infra damage balloons to P2.7B

Earlier, prices of basic commodities as well as “sin” products like cigarettes and alcoholic drinks continued their climb in August, pushing inflation nationwide to 6.4 percent year-on-year, the highest in nine years. /jpv