Poe to Santiago: New perspective needed to address poverty, development

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines—Senator Grace Poe showed no fear when the feisty Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago took a swipe against her during the first presidential debate being held here at the Capitol University on Sunday.

Poe, during the second round of the debate on poverty and development, enumerated how her administration plans to provide food for the estimated 2.6 million Filipino families who are said to be starving on a daily basis based on the Social Weather Stations survey.

Among her plans, she said, was to provide free feeding program for public schools and subsidies for the agriculture sector.

However, Santiago, who rebutted Poe’s argument, said promises are easy to make but the question is where to get the budget to implement such promises.

Meanwhile, Poe answered Santiago’s rebuttal in a very calm tone.

“Kaya siguro napapanahon na na magkaroon ng isang may bagong perspektibo. Marami diyan ang namuno na noon bilang pangulo. Matagal na sila sa gobyerno. Marahil hindi na sila nag-iisip ng ibang paraan para makatulong sa ating bayan at sa ating ekonomiya,” she said.

(That’s why perhaps it is the appropriate time to have someone who has a new perspective. There are others who have served as presidents. They have been in the government for so long. Maybe they are no longer thinking of other ways to assist our country and economy.)

“Mayroon po tayong pag-asa kaya lang kailangan tapat at hindi nangungurakot at mabilis kumilos,” Poe added.

(There is hope, however, we need someone who is honest and not corrupt and fast to act (on things.))

The said debate was organized by the Commission on Elections, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and GMA 7. RAM

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