Grace Poe: Being Filipino not just seen on paper

Sen. Grace Poe FILE PHOTO

Being Filipino is not just something seen on paper or carried in a label but is seen in one’s values, way of living and honest service, according to Sen. Grace Poe.

Poe, a presidential aspirant, made the comment when asked by reporters to explain why she renounced her Filipino citizenship to become a naturalized American citizen in the past.

Poe explained that after she got married, she went to live in the United States to be with her husband out of love. She stayed there to support him and her family. It was not because she had no love for the Philippines, she said.

Poe later acquired dual citizenship, and eventually renounced her American citizenship before she started working for the Philippine government.

Poe, a foundling, is facing a disqualification case seeking to unseat her from the Senate for supposedly not being a natural-born Filipino. She was adopted by famed show-biz couple Susan Roces and Fernando Poe Jr.

She said she returned permanently because she missed the country and her mother needed her after the death of her father.

She said she did not turn her back on the bigger challenge and privilege to serve the country, because it was a chance to help more people.

She first accepted an executive post as head of the movie censors board and later ran for a Senate seat.

“For me, it’s simple. Being a Filipino is not just something on paper or a label. It is living honorably, our values, and honest service. I think I will not be trusted by groups like Makabayan if they think I am not an honest and good Filipino,” she said.

The Makabayan bloc invited Poe to its convention to announce the candidacy of Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares for the Senate. Poe endorsed Colmenares’ bid.

At the same time, she is also being criticized for once losing her Filipino citizenship to become an American.