Poe understands Escudero mother-in-law’s support for Santiago

Sen. Grace Poe and running mate Sen. Francis Escudero file their certificates of candidacy at the Comelec on Oct. 15. INQUIRER PHOTO

Sen. Grace Poe on Tuesday said she understood that the mother-in-law of her running mate Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero supported another presidential candidate in 2016.

In an interview at the sidelines of a forum hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Poe said it was understandable that Cecille Ongpauco, mother of Escudero’s wife actress Heart Evangelista, supported Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago’s presidency because Santiago was Ongpauco’s mentor.

“I understand her sentiments. I only met her maybe a month ago, samantalang yun matagal na niyang kilala at mentor niya si Senator Miriam,” Poe, an independent presidential candidate, said.

Poe said Santiago remained a qualified candidate for president despite her lung cancer, which some critics said might mean Santiago would not live to finish her term.

“Alam naman nating kwalipikado si Senator Miriam. Nasa atin naman ‘yung pagpili kung sino ang nararapat,” Poe said.

Ongpauco was present at Santiago’s meet-and-greet forum at the University of the Philippines Diliman Bahay ng Alumni on Monday.

Ongpauco said Santiago was the most qualified candidate for president in 2016 and that she and the senator were the closest of friends.

For his part, Poe’s running mate Escudero vowed to convince his mother-in-law to support Poe’s presidential bid. Marc Jayson Cayabyab/RC