Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Being a child of a well-esteemed celebrity would definitely gain anyone instant popularity. And this proves to be beneficial if one eventually decides to run for public office.
Sen. Grace Poe, in CNN Philippines Townhall in San Beda College on Thursday (January 28), admitted she owes her popularity to her late father Fernando Poe Jr.—a well-respected actor turned presidential contender in 2004.
“Hindi ko ikakaila na hindi ako aabot sa ganito kundi sa popularidad ng tatay ko,” the senator said.
[Translation: I will not deny that I wouldn’t be at this point if it weren’t for my father’s popularity.]
Also read: Grace Poe: Her father’s daughter
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The presidential candidate said she would continue to use this leverage. But Poe was also quick in saying, it’s only one of her strategies.
“Bilang kandidato sa pagka pangulo, ginagamit natin ang anuman ang sa nakikita natin ay magiging epektibo para hindi tayo makalimutan ng ating mga kababayan… kasama rin dyan ang mga plataporma na sa tingin natin ay makakabuti para sa ating mga kababayan.”
[Translation: As a presidential candidate, we are using all means that we deem effective so that we will not be forgotten by our countrymen… but that includes platforms that we see fit in making their lives better.]
Also read: Grace Poe says FPJ continues to inspire her
More than just FPJ’s daughter
Poe pointed out, in her short stint as a legislator, she has proven worthy of the trust and confidence of those who voted for her as a senator.
“Sa maikling panahon na ako ay nasa senado, ang pinakamahalagang naipasa ko ay ang Freedom of Information (bill)… Sigurado ako na narinig nyo na ang isyu sa PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund), dito sa itinutulak natin na freedom of information, dapat ay accessible yan at naka-upload sa website.”
[Translation: During my short stint in the Senate, the most important piece of legislation I was able to pass was the Freedom of Information bill… I’m pretty sure you heard about PDAF, we pushed for Freedom of Information, which requires such documents to be accessible and uploaded in website.]
She added, aside from FOI, she also pushed for important amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and for the implementation of law requiring free text alerts during calamities.
Poe also promised students that she would work on the slow Internet connection and expensive connectivity.
Related: Poe on solving PH’s Internet woes: Open telecom market to foreign investors
She added that she would also prioritize finding solution to heavy traffic by adding trains and finishing railways.
Level playing field
Poe and her running mate, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, also admitted that as independent candidates, it isn’t easy to look for funding for their campaign.
Poe said they get support merely from friends and relatives.
But difficult as it may seem, the senator said she makes it clear to those who would offer financial support to their team that there would be no special treatment or favors that would be given to them should she win the presidency.
“Kung meron silang hihingin, ang mahihingi lang nila sa akin ay level playing field.”
[Translation: If there’s something they could ask from me, that is a level playing field.]
Escudero added that they stand for certain principles, and that includes giving service to the people regardless of the political affiliations of their leaders.
“Dapat pagsilbihan ang bawat Pilipino, pati mga taong ayaw sa kanya at hindi bumoto sa kanya. Ang kalamidad walang pinipiling kulay walang kinikilalang partido.”
[Translation: Every Filipino deserves service, including those who don’t like her and who did not vote for her. Calamity does not choose color or any political party.]
With all the issues being thrown at her, Poe said lightheartedly she’s not sure if she made the right decision to run for president—but expressed it surely is a journey that is worth it.
