Grace Poe tells Aquino she will remain independent

Video by Noy Morcoso

SENATOR Grace Poe has no plans of joining any political group despite pronouncements by some Liberal Party (LP) leaders that they would not endorse a non-member as its standard-bearer in 2016.

Poe said President Benigno Aquino III did not offer her to join the LP when they met Wednesday but “I kept my position that I maintain to be an independent candidate.”

“I think that our countrymen will appreciate it more if you maintain your independence. At this point, I think it’s too politically expedient just for the upcoming elections to swear in to a particular party,” she told reporters in an interview in Makati City on Thursday.

Some LP leaders, including its vice-chairman, Senate President Franklin Drilon, said that the President would not endorse a non-member. This, after Vice President Jejomar Binay expressed hope Wednesday that the President would endorse him in 2016.

READ: Aquino’s endorsement reserved for LP members only, says Drilon

When sought for comment on the LP’s position, Poe said: “If they are not open to a non-LP member, that’s their policy.”

Asked if her being independent was non-negotiable, the senator said: “Kasi may mga ibang bagay na kailangang panindigan natin at sa tingin ko naman ang iisipin natin kung ano ang makakabuti sa ating mga kababayan.”

“I feel my independence has allowed me also to make certain positions without having to be constrained by a particular party. Not that I’m saying that a party is not good but what I’m just saying is that there are certain considerations that it’s better also to remain independent,” she further said.

Poe has yet to decide whether or not to seek a higher post next year but said she and another independent senator, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, have been talking about the 2016 elections.

“Senator Chiz and I have been friends. Yes we talk about possibilities but there’s nothing certain yet,” she said.