Poe cites advantage of FPJ factor in reelection bid

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday said that the legacy of his late father, actor Fernando Poe, Jr. or FPJ is a big plus in her reelection bid.

FPJ, also known as “Da King” and  “The King of Philippine Movies”, became a household name among Filipinos for starring in numerous action films.

“Hindi ko ipagkakaila, syempre si FPJ pa rin, iyon ang naaalala ng mga tao, lalo na sa probinsya, very sentimental ang mga tao dun (I will not deny it, of course, FPJ is still remembered by many in the provinces, they are very sentimental),” Poe told reporters during her campaign stop in Rizal province.

Poe, however, reiterated that her experience and contributions in the Senate should not be overlooked, and that despite consistently leading in different pre-election surveys, the results vary.

The late actor ran for president in 2004 but lost to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before his death later that year due to stroke.

On campaign season

Poe said that her focus during the campaign season is to reach the “people on the ground and listen to their concerns.”

“Basta ‘yung sa akin, mas pupuntahan ko pa ‘yung lugar na matatao, ‘yung mga palengke, motorcade.  Siyempre nakikita ka sa telebisyon pero iba rin ‘yung nakikita ka ng personal (I will visit the thickly populated places, public markets and join motorcades.  They see us on TV, but meeting the people in person is something else),” Poe said.

Asked if she will change anything in her campaign strategy, Poe said in jest, “Baka kumanta na lang ako at sumayaw (I might just sing and dance).”/gsg