I can lead ‘the path to inclusive growth,’ Poe tells presidential forum
SENATOR Grace Poe said she is running for president next year not just only because she believes she has a good chance of winning but also “because I believe that I have what it takes to shepherd our country along the next leg of our economic journey, the path to inclusive growth.”
This was how Poe explained her presidential run in 2016 when she faced a presidential forum held at the Makati City on Wednesday night.
She also defended herself from criticisms that she lacks the experience to seek the presidency.
“My critics say that having been a senator for just three years, I lack the experience, not just in government, but even in matters pertaining to the economy. That may well be the case,” she said.
“But to you I ask, is there any evidence from our history that shows that long years in public service automatically translates to good governance and effective economic policy? Not necessarily.”
“I am a newcomer, as one might call it. A relative outsider in government and politics. But I think we know that when it comes to serving in Malacañang, there can be tremendous advantages to being new,” she said.
For starters, Poe said one doesn’t carry the baggage that come with long years in politics.
“No pre-conceptions, no assumptions that you have to work within the system all the time. No allies or subordinates or pet projects that you have to protect or ponder to,” she said.
“Indeed, I can bypass the traditional rituals and practices that bind experienced politicians. One can appoint the best people from outside the usual circles and propose fresh ideas without worrying about whose toes will be stepped on.”
Poe admitted though that experience could be valuable but said there are more important qualities that she said a leader should possess, such as integrity, the ability to choose people wisely and the courage to make decisions.
“Decisions on the basis of principle rather than political expediency. No matter who gets hurt,” she said.
“To paraphrase Warren Buffet, in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities, integrity, intelligence and energy. If you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you. Indeed, if you hire somebody without integrity, you really want that person to be dumb and lazy,” she further said.
If elected president, Poe said she would choose her Cabinet members wisely and according to merit alone.
She said friendship would not be a criterion neither will be gratitude for favors done.
“Most of all, political accommodation or party affiliation will not get in the way of doing what is best for the country. I will be happy, for instance, to retain the best performing cabinet secretaries of the current administration. Good managers, after all, are not easy to find,” the senator added.
