Poe still undecided on 2016 plans despite being among poll leaders

By: Maila Ager - 10 years ago

Senator Grace Poe. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe remained evasive on Thursday about her political plans in 2016 as she laughed off a possible tandem even with her good friend, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

“There are a lot of alternative candidates not just me but I’ve learned from the 2013 elections, surveys are a snapshot. It’s a snapshot of what could be. But it changes dramatically,” Poe said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel.

She was reacting to the latest Pulse Asia survey where she ranked second in voters’ preference for president in 2016 with 14 percent, next to Vice President Jejomar Binay with 29 percent.

“It should not be enough to encourage you to make you decide to run or not to run. But for me what’s important since I’m already in public office is the approval of the people that you’re doing the right thing,” she said.

Asked about the possibility of running with Escudero and under which party they would run should they decide to join the 2016 race, Poe said: “Oh I don’t even know. In fact, I keep telling Senator Chiz, he’s very seasoned…He helps me.”

“I think he’s qualified. It’s hard to even think that he’d be my vice …or maybe he should be president. I don’t know,” she said, still referring to Escudero.

“But at this point, people will find it hard to believe but I’m not really planning that strategy yet because it will really affect the quality of your work if your intention is because I will run. Of course, you might make certain compromises that might not be good also for your sworn mandate,” Poe added.

She reiterated that what happened to her father, the late Fernando Poe Jr., who ran and lost in 2010 presidential elections, remains a big factor in her decision-making.

“It’s not an easy decision to make. Honestly, do I want it…? It’s a difficult position. See what the President is going through now?” Poe said, apparently referring to President Benigno Aquino III, who is under fire over the botched Mamasapano operation last January 25 that left 44 elite policemen dead.