Poe on DQ: It hurts to have my identity taken away from me

“That my very identity is being taken away from me, is hurtful,” said Senator Grace Poe on Friday after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division ruled to disqualify her from running as president in the 2016 elections.

In a statement, Poe said the First Division has chosen to ignore the facts her camp presented “just to deny me the chance to better serve our countrymen, and to also deny our people their choices in an open election.”

“When the disqualification cases against me were filed, all I asked for was a fair consideration of the facts. We submitted evidence of my citizenship and residence, putting our full faith in a just process,” she said.

READ: Comelec 1st division disqualifies Poe from 2016 presidential race

The senator said her camp would appeal the decision to the Comelec en banc and the Supreme Court.

“We will appeal to the Comelec and the Supreme Court to uphold the truth, and the spirit and aims of our Constitution,” she said, as she assured the electorate that she is still a candidate.

She maintained that she was as natural-born Filipino.

“I am a true Filipino from birth. I was raised as a Filipino, lived, studied, got married in the Philippines, and wish to serve fellow Filipinos as a Filipino,” she said.

She said the disqualification cases against her are not just about her candidacy.

“How these cases will be resolved will ultimately pervade the lives, status and limited opportunities accorded to all other foundlings,” she said.

READ: Guimaras family may be Grace Poe’s kin

“It will also affect once and current overseas Filipinos who may wish to give back to their true country through public service,” she added.

She said the using institutions “to exclude fellow Filipinos, is a cause for serious concern.”

“Our laws should protect and defend their welfare, not shut them out,” she said.

On Friday, the Comelec First Division, in a 2-1 vote, disqualified Sen. Grace Poe to join the 2016 presidential elections. CDG

READ: Comelec 1st division cancels Grace Poe COC