Poe, Escudero disinvited from Tawi-Tawi event for ‘political reasons’

SENATORS Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Thursday disclosed that they have been disinvited from Tawi-Tawi’s foundation anniversary rites on Sunday, Sept. 27, because of “political reasons.”

The 2016 tandem said it must have been “very difficult” for two local officials, who are both members of the ruling Liberal Party (LP), to withdraw the invitation for the Kamahardikaan festival.

“It is unfortunate that the invitation to attend the Foundation Day of Tawi-Tawi on Sunday was withdrawn for political reasons,” Poe and Escudero said in a joint statement.

“We know that the people of Tawi-Tawi have been preparing for our visit on the invitation of Governor Nurbert Sahali and Congresswoman Ruby Sahali—who both belong to the Liberal Party. We understand that it must have been very difficult for them to withdraw the invitation,” they added.

The letter inviting Poe and Escudero to be guests of honor and speakers was sent on July 20, two months before the two senators formally declared their presidential and vice presidential bid last week.

But nevertheless, the poll frontrunners said they are looking forward to visit the province soon.

“But in spite of this, we express our heartfelt appreciation for all their effort. We assure the people of Tawi-Tawi that we will continue to support their needs and they can look forward to our visit in the coming days,” they said.

LP had wooed Poe to be the running mate of its standard-bearer, former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, but the lady senator officially joined the presidential derby last Sept. 16. Yuji Vincent Gonzales

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