Senators Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
Senators Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero promised a leadership that would not be distracted by “petty politics” as they make official their presidential and vice presidential bids, respectively, when they file their certificates of candidacies (COCs) on Thursday.
READ: Poe, Escudero to file COCs on Thursday
The two are scheduled to file their COCs at the Commission on Elections between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Their platform of government, the senators said, is anchored on poverty alleviation and genuine inclusive growth.
“Even when we were still contemplating running as president and vice president, our purpose was clear. Ours will be a deliberate leadership that will not be distracted by petty politics,” Poe said in a statement.
Poe said their filing of their COCs would just be the start of a process “geared toward realizing the real purpose of leading the country to effectively face the challenges of the future.”
“We know that we have enormous work ahead of us so we can’t be distracted by petty politics or the dirty tactics that others use against us,” she added.
Poe assured the public that she and Escudero would be able “to hit the ground running once elected in 2016.”
Escudero, for his part, emphasized that their partnership was not an “agreement that just came out of the blue.”
“It was a well thought-out decision. And included in that process was also a platform of government that we know would be able to respond to the needs and demands of the Filipino people not only for the six-year term, but beyond. That is the essence of ‘gobyernong may puso (government with a heart)’ or GP,’” he said.
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He said Poe’s “poise and sense of resolve” have been unshakable despite an ongoing challenge at the Senate Electoral Tribunal about her qualifications to sit as senator and run for president in 2016.
Escudero said Poe continues to exude confidence, allowing her legal team to deal with the matter rather than ranting about it in media.
“This only goes to show the solid sense of purpose of our tandem,” he added. RAM