Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – Sen. Grace Poe on Wednesday (September 2) spoke before a forum on a topic that is very close to her heart – the issue on adoption.
It becomes more special because it is also the eve of her 47th birthday, where it has been widely speculated that she could formally announce her plans to seek higher office next year.
ALSO READ: Grace Poe: Her father’s daughter
Poe was the guest speaker of the 13th Global Consultation on Child Welfare Services – a gathering of about 300 experts in the global adoption community with delegates coming from US, Canada Europe and Asia Pacific.
This three-day discussion on child care services center on the issue of inter-country adoption.
Experienced discrimination as a child
The senator’s life story has been an open book. It has become an interesting topic of simple family chat, more so for her political rivals and critics.
In her speech, Poe described her life story as the thing of movies.
Speaking from her own experience – being emotional about it at times – she recalled experiencing discrimination as a child every time she is asked to present her birth certificate.
She was abandoned outside a Catholic church in Iloilo as a newborn, and was eventually adopted by celebrity couple Susan Roces and Fernando Poe Jr.
ALSO READ: FPJ’s teachings main factor for Grace Poe in decision making
Her being a foundling has become an issue for critics to question her citizenship and residency, especially amid reports that she is set to declare her presidential bid.
