This is not the end of the process, says Grace Poe

Presidential aspirant Grace Poe. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

While disappointed by the decision of a division of the Commission on Election (Comelec) to disqualify her from the 2016 presidential race, Senator Grace Poe said “this is not the end of the process.”

“I am disappointed in the decision, but this is not the end of the process. We will continue to fight for the rights of foundlings and the fundamental right of the people to choose their leaders,” Poe said in a statement on Tuesday, shortly after the Comelec’s 2nd Division granted a petition seeking to bar her from the race.

READ: Comelec 2nd division disqualifies Grace Poe from presidential race

“I maintain that I am a natural born Filipino and have complied with the 10-year residency requirement based on settled applicable jurisprudence,” she said.

“My critics will use any excuse to exclude me, much like they tried to do when FPJ ran for president, and in the process disenfranchising the people as well,” Poe added.

She was referring to her adoptive father, later actor Fernando Poe Jr., who ran and lost to then President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“They show a lack of trust in the ability of Filipinos to make the right decision,” said the senator.

“I have faith in the process, and we are confident that the Comelec en banc will side with the interest of the people,” she added. TVJ

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