The camp of Senator Grace Poe. left, said it welcomed the entry of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in the presidential race. NINO JESUS ORBETA / INQUIRER FILES
The camp of presidential poll frontrunner Senator Grace Poe said on Sunday that it welcomed the decision of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to throw his hat in the presidential ring in next year’s elections.
In a statement, Poe’s spokesperson Valenzuela City Rex Gatchalian said that Duterte’s decision would be beneficial to the electorate.
“The more choices the people have the better. Clearly his entry to the presidential race will raise the discourse on issues this coming elections,” Gatchalian said.
The senator’s camp said that Duterte’s decision to run for president would result to a “more vibrant” democracy.
“Though we are saddened and do not agree with the position of Mayor Duterte on Sen. Poe’s citizenship and the status of foundlings, his decision to seek the presidency will make our democracy stronger and more vibrant,” Gatchalian said.
Duterte on Saturday night said that his candidacy was “now on the table” as he cannot accept the election of an “American president,” referring to Poe.
The feisty Davao mayor has been vocal on his disapproval on the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) which junked the petition against the neophyte senator on the ground of her allegedly questionable citizenship.
“(Poe) will be a presumptive President whose citizenship is based on presumption. The highest position is reserved for a true-blue Filipino. I cannot accept an American President,” Duterte said.
He said that he might change his mind if the SET reverses its ruling or the senator could reveal her real mother.