Grace Poe: I only responded to Binay camp’s accusations

Sen. Grace Poe. JOAN BONDOC/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

While saying that she is not at war with Vice President Jejomar Binay or his family, Senator Grace Poe admitted that she was hurt by the issues being hurled by his camp.

“Wala kaming personal na away, masakit man ang ibinato nila sa akin,” (We don’t have any personal quarrels, even though they cast hurtful claims against me) Poe said after a daughter of Binay appealed for an end to reactions to a statement made by a key ally of the Vice President.

BACKSTORY: Grace Poe lacks residency, not qualified to run for president or VP –solon

On Tuesday, Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco, interim president of Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), raised questions about Poe’s qualifications in running for a higher post in 2016. Tiangco said Poe lacked the 10-year residency requirement mandated by the Constitution.

“Sinagot ko lang naman ang mga paratang ng kanilang tagapagsalita dahil may karapatan ang mga tao na malaman ang aking pagkatao. Wala akong itinatago sa kanila,” (I just responded to the accusations of their spokesperson because people have a right to know who I am. I don’t hide anything from them) Poe said in a text message on Friday.

READ: Grace Poe to critics: I am qualified to run for higher post

Poe, whose popularity has been rising in polls on potential presidential candidates in 2016, acknowledged her family’s relationship with the Binay but stressed that her duty to the Filipino people was also important.

“Hindi ko kinakalimutan ang relasyon ng aming pamilya, pero nananatili akong tapat sa aking tungkulin,” (I don’t forget the relationship between our families but I must remain faithful to my responsibilities) the senator added.

Poe was reacting to the statement of Makati City Representative Abigail Binay, the Vice President’s daughter, that she was willing to talk to the senator to end the brewing word war between the two camps.

BACKSTORY: Let court judge Grace Poe’s residency—Abigail Binay
Meanwhile, another daughter of the Vice President, Senator Nancy Binay, denied that Tiangco’s move had the blessings of UNA. Poe doubted her colleague’s denial.

“Ganyang kalaking decision walang sanction?” (How could such a big decision be unsanctioned?) Poe said in an interview Wednesday.

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