Poe says she’s not keen on joining 2022 presidential race

MANILA, Philippines   – Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday said she is not keen on aspiring for the presidency anew and would rather focus on having a productive six-year term in the Senate.

“Alam mo anim na taon, salamat sa ating mga kababayang sa kanilang tiwala, kasi anim na taon pa tayo sa Senado at nagpupursigi naman tayo na yung anim na taon na yun ay maging produktibo,” Poe told reporters during the 80th birth anniversary celebration of her late father, actor Fernando Poe Jr. at the Manila North Cemetery.

(I will be in the Senate for six years, and I thank my fellow Filipinos for the trust.  I will persevere to be productive during those six years).

Poe placed second in the 2019 senatorial race with 22, 029 788 votes but stressed that she is no longer aspiring to be president.

She lost in the 2016 presidential elections to then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

“Wala talaga. Unang-una hindi madali ang karanasan na ‘yun at napakaraming puwede nating pagpilian,” she said about her loss in the presidential race.

(I really have no plans. It was a very challenging experience and besides, there are other potential candidates).

She also advised voters on electing public officials: “Pero kailangan isipin nating mabuti kung sila ba talaga ay makakabuti at totoo sa bayan.”  /gsg