Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The results of the DNA test undergone by Sen. Grace Poe and a possible relative will come out either later this week or early next week.
Atty. George Garcia, one of the senator’s lawyers handling her disqualification case, said on Thursday (October 1) they will immediately forward the results to the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) – whether or not there is a match.
Garcia refused to reveal other details about the volunteer. But he said the volunteer showed enough physical, and documentary evidence which convinced the senator to take the DNA test.
“‘Yung nunal nga ni Senator Grace Poe sa noo e, eksaktong nunal dun sa pinakita sa amin e,” said Garcia.
“The circumstances of this person, the circumstances of Senator Poe from foundling and everything will point to that relation. Kumbaga yung circumstantial evidence kapag pinagdugtong-dugtong mo, ‘yun lang ang patutunguhan,” he added.
However the results turn out, Garcia is confident the disqualification case against his client will be dismissed as long as only legal issues are considered.
“Kasi ang nangyayari sa ‘min, although this is purely legal, mayroong political implication e kaya napipilitan kami magsalita at sana ‘di ma-sub judice,” Garcia said.
Poe’s lawyer also criticized petitioner Lito David, a losing senatorial candidate, for politicizing the case rather than sticking to the legal issues.
Garcia said even David himself perhaps knows that his case is weak and has no legal basis.
David yesterday filed a formal offer of evidence, but according to Garcia this wasn’t required by the tribunal.
Garcia said they will no longer comment on David’s formal offer of evidence because they want the case submitted for resolution at the soonest possible time.
Poe’s camp will proceed with the filing of their memorandum, or a summary of their arguments next Monday (October 5) as required.
Garcia pointed out that Poe, born under the 1935 Constitution, inherited the citizenship of her adoptive father, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr.
“Napatunayan namin hindi nila kami ma-refute ‘dun sa constitutional provision ng 1935 Constitution,” said Garcia.
