MANILA, Philippines – Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday, August 12, challenged her critics to explain their “sins to the public” before questioning her citizenship.

“Sa mga nagtatanong rin, marami rin silang issues, kasalanan sa bayan na dapat ma-explika kung sila ba talaga ay inosente o hindi. Kesa naman pagdiskitahan nila ang… heto na minamadali na nga at gusto ko na mamadali na, sa Senate Electoral Tribunal,” Poe told reporters on Wednesday, August 12, during an International Youth Day celebration in Quezon City.

(To those asking [about my citizenship], they also have so many issues and sins to the public that they need to explain whether they are really innocent, instead of focusing on the case before the Senate Electoral Tribunal, which I already want to be expedited.)

Seen to be eyeing a presidential run in 2016, Poe is facing a disqualification case before the Senate Electoral Tribunal. Although both camps are denying it, some believe that the groups of Vice President Jejomar Binay and administration standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II are behind the attacks against Poe. (READ: Mar Roxas: Grace Poe is a Filipino)

Poe earlier said she is relieved that a formal case has been filed against her, saying this would be the proper venue to address the issue.

The neophyte senator reiterated her decision not to release documents pertaining to her citizenship and residency, as her opponents may use these to twist the facts. 

“Kasi gagamitin nila yung dokumento [laban] sa akin. Mas mabuti na para dun na mismo sa korte. Lahat na dates na sinasabi namin ay totoo at makikita niyo doon sa ipapakita namin. Ayoko na patulan dahil sa tingin ko ay masasagot din sa SET,” Poe said.

(Because they will use the documents against me. It’s better in the court. But all the dates we said are true and you can see them in the documents. I don’t want to say anything anymore because we can answer this before the SET.)

Youth vote

Poe on Wednesday spoke before 1,500 young Filipinos during the International Youth Day, calling on them to make their “big voices” heard and scrutinize government leaders.

She urged them to look beyond the “personal attacks” hurled against people, apparently referring to her own situation.

“May mga personal na issue na binabato sa mga tao pero ang tignan nyo, ano ba ang integridad ng tao, ito ba ay tapat kahit ano ang repercussions?” Poe said. (There are personal issues thrown to peope but you should look at the integrity of the person, even if that person is honest despite possible repercussions [of his actions]?)

Poe earlier said the citizenship and residency issues thrown at her are personal attacks, even as she stressed that foundlings like her have rights as well.

Asked about the importance of the so-called youth vote in her possible presidential campaign in 2016, Poe said the youth make up the majority of the population.

“Importante ang youth sector. Sila pinakamarami sa ating populasyon.. importante rin syempre na kung sino man pipiliin nila ay eto ‘yung mga tao na makakatulong sa ating bayan, may paninindigan, maayos ang pagtrabaho. Walang kasalanan sa bayan,” Poe said.

(The youth sector is important. They comprise majority of the population. And of course, it is significant that whoever they choose is really someone who can help the country, has principles, and works efficiently. No sins to the public.)

Poe said she will soon make up her mind on whether she would run for president in 2016. She earlier shunned overtures from President Benigno Aquino III for her to be the running mate of Roxas. – Rappler.com