Grace Poe praises Aquino for protecting free polls

Senator Grace Poe (left) says she is touched by the statement of President Benigno Aquino III who said she should be allowed to run in 2016 and let the people decide if she deserves to win. INQUIRER FILE

Senator Grace Poe said she was “very touched” by President Benigno Aquino III’s statement that she should be allowed to join the presidential race next year amid questions raised about her citizenship.

“I am very touched that the President is sympathizing with my position. There’s a reason why President Aquino continues to enjoy a strong mandate and the approval of our fellow countrymen,” Poe said in a statement on Wednesday.

“With his statement he’s showing that beyond the colors of politics, he believes in protecting the integrity of a free and fair democratic elections.”

“I sincerely believe that until his last day as president he will continue to do his best to uphold the will of the people,” Poe added.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel Tuesday night, Aquino said Poe should be allowed to run for president, invoking the maxim “vox populi, vox Dei” or “the voice of the people (is) the voice of God.”

“One would hope that Senator Grace gets the opportunity to be judged by the people to secure the mandate. Vox populi, vox dei. That’s a personal opinion,” the President said, apparently referring to the disqualification case filed against Poe at the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

Aquino issued the statement despite his support for the administration’s bet, and friend, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.