MANILA, Philippines — Reelectionist Senator Grace Poe said that she opted to formally kick-off her campaign for the 2019 elections in Tondo, Manila because it reflects the true state of the entire nation.
Poe said during her proclamation rally along Zaragoza Street on Wednesday that government officials do not need to tour the whole country to identify the grievances of their constituents, as people from different regions have made Tondo their home.
“Hindi kailangang umikot sa lahat ng lugar para malaman lang ang pulso ng bayan dahil dito sa Tondo, magkakapit-bahay ang mga Ilocano, Cebuano, Waray, Muslim, Kapampangan, Pangasinese, Ibanag at lahat ng iba’t-ibang uri ng tao sa ating bayan,” she explained.
(One does not need to go around the country to see and feel the situation of the people, because right here in Tondo, people from various region migrate and converge.)
“Kaya kung gusto mong malamaan ang saloobin ng mga tao, pumunta ka sa Tondo para malaman mo,” she added.
(If you really want to know the sentiments of the people, you go to Tondo.)
Earlier, Poe said in an ambush interview that another reason to hold her first sortie in Tondo was because of her father, the late ‘King of Philippine movies’ Fernando Poe, Jr. or FPJ.
FPJ gained popularity among the masses due to his portrayal of a crusading Tondo resident in several movies he starred in during his heyday.
According to Poe, who is running as an independent candidate, claims of economic progress made by government officials are contrary to the lives of the people in Tondo.
In both the latest Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations surveys, Poe emerged as the top choice senator.
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Aside from Poe, reelectionist Senators Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara, Koko Pimentel and Cynthia Villar were present in the Tondo sortie.
Among the personalities who endorsed the candidates were Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senator Francis Escudero and wife celebrity Heart Evangelista, and Poe’s mother and actress Susan Roces. / gsg