Grace Poe: Duterte had long decided to run for president

Senator Grace Poe (left) believes Davao City Rodrigo Duterte had lone made up his mind to run for president in 2016.
INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

Senator Grace Poe said she was not surprised that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Durtete finally joined the presidential race, saying his actions showed that he had long made up his decision.

“Sa totoo, hindi,” (To be honest, no) Poe said on Monday when asked if she was surprised by Duterte’s statement that he would run for president next year.

‘Sa tingin ko, noon pa naman ay may decision na syang tumakbo, (batay) sa kanyang mga kilos. Kaya nga sabi ko mabuti na rin para yung kanyang mga adbokasiya at pananaw para sa bayan ay mabigyan ng pansin,” she said.

(I think, ever since he already has a decision to run, based on his actions, that’s why I said it’s also a good thing so he can pay attention to his advocacies and plans for the country)

Poe said she respected Duterte’s decision to run for president as it would give the people more choices come 2016 elections.

But while she respected his decision, the senator said she did not agree with the mayor’s opinion about her citizenship.

“Hindi ako sang-ayon sa kanyang pananaw ukol sa akin subalit sa kanyang decision, syempre mas mabuting maraming pinagpipilian ang ating mga kababayan at ginagalang ko dahil alam ko hindi rin madali na umabot sa puntong pagde decision,” she said.

(I don’t agree with his opinion about me but on his decision (to run for president), of course it would be better if our people have more choices and I respect it because I also know that it’s not that easy to reach that decision)

Poe was referring to the Senate Electoral Tribunal’s ruling against a quo warranto petition filed against her by defeated senatorial bet Rizalito David, who is seeking to unseat her from the Senate for allegedly not being a natural born Filipino.

But the senator maintained that the case went through the process and an appeal could still be filed at the SET.

Asked if she had ill-feelings towards Duterte, Poe said: “Personal na bagay yun sa akin. Sa tingin ko ang isang leader na tumatakbo lalong-lalo na ang dapat tutukan ay kung ano ang magagawa natin para sa ating mga kababayan.”

(That’s personal to me. I think a leader, especially one who is running, should focus on what he can do for our country)

“Kung ano man mga personal naming pananaw, sa amin na muna yun ngayon. Ang importante sa akin ay ako’y makakatotohanan. Ako’y pinalaki ng aking mga magulang na tumulong sa kapwa at gumalang sa nakakatanda.”

(Whatever our opinion, we should keep it to ourselves for now, What’s important to me is that I am truthful. May parents taught me to help others and to respect my elders.)

Asked how she felt with Duterte’s statement that he could not accept an “American President?” the lady senator said: “Hindi totoo yun. Hayaan mo na lang sya kung gusto nyang magtawag ng mga pangalan, sa kanya na yun.”

(That’s not true. Let’s just leave him if he wants to call names. That’s his opinion)

Asked again if she thought Duterte’s entry in the presidential derby would be a game-changer, Poe said: “Anybody entering the race is a game-changer.”