Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Sen. Grace Poe’s speech touched the hearts of many.
“Sa ating lahat nakasalalay ang magiging kwento ng Pilipinas sa darating na panahon,” she said in her announcement on Wednesday (September 16) at the Bahay Alumni of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
[Translation: “It’s all up to all of us to write the story of the Philippines in years to come.”]
FULL TEXT: I offer myself for the country’s highest calling as your President — Grace Poe
Elizabeth Poe, sister of the late Fernando Poe Jr., said she had seen this dream of the senator 10 years ago and believes it would be her mission in life.
“For us it’s very indescribable because when you go through something like that… and now you know you what you have to face,” she said. “Her father is watching over her and so are all of us. But we have to help.”
Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo said the people heard her message loud and clear and that she was not alone.
Romulo is considering running for senator. Earlier, he came along with Poe in one of her trips around the country in Nueva Ecija.
“Pumunta po ako dito talaga because ang sinabi po nila sasabihin niya kung ano po ang mensahe po niya,” he said. “At true to form, napakaganda ng sinabi niya.”
[Translation: “I went here I heard that she would say finally give her message. And true to form, what she said was very beautiful.”]
Veteran actress and Poe’s longtime friend and supporter Boots Anson Roa said she appreciated the way the senator’s parents brought her up.
“It has to start with words and faith in words,” she said. “But I’m am sure she will translate all of this into action with our help.”
Other politicians who came to listen and support Poe’s announcement included Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian; Vice Mayor Francis Zamora, who is a Nacionalista Party member; San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, who is from the United Nationalist Alliance.
Poe will reportedly announce Sen. Francis Escudero as her running mate on Thursday (September 17).
