Keep open mind, Poe appeals to SET

BALANGA, Bataan—With her disqualification case up for resolution, Sen. Grace Poe is hoping that the members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) would keep in mind that their ruling on her citizenship would also affect thousands of abandoned children who run the risk of becoming second-class citizens.

In a press conference here, Poe said she does not want to give up the fight and let down the more than 20 million voters who gave her their vote in 2013.

But she said losing the disqualification case would not be such a bad thing as she would be able to return to private life and have more time for her family.

During the three years she served in the Senate, she said she was able to work on bills she considers important for the country.

The disqualification case stemmed from an argument that as a foundling, Poe could not be considered a natural-born Filipino. Only natural-born Filipinos could run for President.

Poe acknowledged that the ruling on her SET case would always be a “numbers game,” but she said she trusts her colleagues in the Senate and believes the members of the tribunal would apply its own sense of justice and fairness.

“I also hope the members of the SET remember that this is not just about me. Whatever their decision would affect other children who would be in the same situation as I am,” she told reporters.

Should the SET rule against her, “all foundlings would automatically be treated as second-class citizens,” the senator said.

“I don’t think that’s right,” she said.

With prayers and hope, she said she has a fighting chance as she has confidence in people who are looking for change in the country.

Without naming names, Poe said the people behind those questioning her citizenship want to remove her as a contender in the race for the presidency.

“What I can say is our group plans to put the country in order so that more opportunities would be given to the poor who have been left behind,” she said.

Poe and running mate Sen. Francis Escudero visited this city yesterday to attend an open forum session with students of the Bataan Peninsula State University.