Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)— It’s cold in Baguio City. But independent presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe and her running mate Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero were warmly received by the people as they visited the summer capital on Tuesday (February 23).
“Malakas din ang hatak natin dito sa north Luzon, marami dito sa Baguio ay Ilocano o Pangasinense na mga kababayan din ng tatay ko yan,” Poe said.
[Translation: We’re also strong here in north Luzon, most of the people here in Baguio are Ilocano or Pangsinense, who are my father’s townspeople.]
Still basking from her success in the presidential debate, Poe’s camp believes she did exceptionally well in the debate.
Insiders in her team admit there was extreme pressure for Sen. Poe to make a good impression in the debate last Sunday (February 21).
Also read: Know thy candidates: Applicants for president and their resumés
Aside from boosting her candidacy, a good performance in the debate should win her wider public support—this is especially since she’s facing a disqualification case, which is now up for resolution before the Supreme Court.
“Kung titingnan natin ang mga numero sa survey, bumaba lang naman yung numero ni senator grace, nung inakala ng marami, na syay diskwalipikado na,” Escudero said.
[Translation: If we’re going to take a look at the numbers in the survey(s), her ratings only dropped when most people thought that she’s already disqualified.]
Poe’s lawyers submitted on Monday a 349-page memorandum, wrapping up her arguments on her disqualification.
For now, Poe and her entire slate are packing a hectic campaign schedule, week after week.
They are hopping from one province to another every day—hoping to reach out to as many voters as possible.
Earlier on Tuesday, Poe and her team were in Bontoc, Mountain Province to meet with mutli-sectoral groups. They went straight to Baguio where they talked to students at the Saint Louis University, before proceeding to the Melvin Jones Park for their rally.
