Erap defends Grace Poe: It’s all ‘black propaganda’

MANILA, Philippines – Former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada defended his goddaughter Senator Grace Poe from detractors.

Estrada, in an interview with reporters on Friday, August 7 during a reunion of Sampaguita Pictures stars, said he knew the neophyte senator since she was a kid. After all, Estrada and the senator’s father the late Fernando Poe Jr. are best of friends.

“That’s black propaganda. I’ve seen Grace, I know her since [she was] small. Hindi ganun ‘yon. (She’s not like that.) Social drinking, what’s wrong with that?” Estrada said, according to an ABS-CBN report.

Poe earlier admitted she drinks on social occasions but denied she is a drunkard.

Aside from this, Poe also faces allegations of being a drug addict and an abusive employer.

The senator, however, said she is confident the truth will eventually come out. 

“Alam mo, nalulungkot ako doon, nambubugbog daw, lasenggo, nag-rehab – lahat na po iyan tinatapon nila. May mga lalabas daw. Alam niyo po, kapag nasa panig ninyo ang katotohanan, hindi naman po ako natatakot diyan,” Poe said.

(You know what, I’m saddened by those [accusations]. Abusive, drunkard, underwent rehab – they’re throwing everything and many more will come out. You know if truth is on your side, I don’t fear those issues.)

The senator maintained she will not back down and is intent on preparing for the legal battles ahead, referring to the citizenship and residency issues being thrown at her. 

Estrada, meanwhile, reiterated he has no plans to run for president in 2016. He also said he is still undecided whom to support in the 2016 elections, saying he will wait for the candidates’ platforms of governance first. – Rappler.com