Poe’s campaign team still confident despite Comelec decision

Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of interviews with key personalities in the campaign of presidential candidates.

MANILA, Philippines – The recent decision by a Commission on Election (Comelec) division to cancel Senator Grace Poe’s certificate of candidacy may be perceived as a headache for the people handling her campaign.

But her campaign manager, outgoing Cebu 5th district Representative Ace Durano, expressed confidence they will still get a favorable outcome in the end.

Durano, who will be leading the Poe-Chiz Escudero campaign, is also related to presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Durano’s father, Danao City Mayor Ramon Durano III, and Duterte are 2nd degree cousins.

In an interview with Rappler Wednesday, December 2, Durano didn’t show any signs of worry. “It’s an issue that we are prepared for [and expect] will continue until election,” he said.

Durano said this is a scenario they had been expecting since Poe began leading in presidential surveys.

“When [Poe] became a front runner, our motto became ‘prepare for the worst and leave the rest to the Lord.’ Being the front runner, I guess, comes with a territory. So we just have to prepare for the worst,” he said.

The poll body’s 2nd division ruled that Poe is not a natural-born Filipino and fails to comply with the 10-year residency requirement for those who want to be president.

But on his part, Durano believes otherwise. “My confidence is grounded on the fact that our interpretation gives or renders justice and respects human rights,” he said.

No other issue

Durano also said that luckily, they don’t have to change any campaign strategy, as they have focused on this particular issue since it began hounding Poe.

There’s no need for new moves, he explained, since the issue itself is nothing new to them.

“Actually, we expected that this issue will linger because there’s no other issue. This is really the only one issue that detractors can cast a cloud on,” he said.

Since they’ve focused on this particular issue, they have already devised strategies for possible scenarios.

“The way we plan for contingency is that, for example for this Comelec decision, either it’s in our favor or against us. Anyway, this case will still continue because if we have a favorable decision, I’m sure the petitioner would have elevated it nevertheless,” he said.

Test of character

Durano’s positive reaction to the decision comes from the fact that the issue, he thinks, reveals the positive side of Poe.

“It brings out her character for everyone to see, how she’s handling this particular issue. It’s best for us that voters can see at this stage of the process the character of our candidates: how they will handle pressure, how they will buckle and let go of their principles and values,” he explained.

As for the campaign team, Durano said the decision boosts them in a positive way. “We’re not in fighting mode. We’re fired up.” 

He claims that they remain “a very nice campaign group” despite the negativity that the issue brings.

“The policy is that we should stay positive and take the high moral ground on every issue,” he said. – Rappler.com

Catch Rappler’s full interview with Ace Durano in a podcast to be published on Sunday, December 6. Listen to related podcast interviews with other camps:

• PODCAST: Karina David on harnessing ‘people power’ for Roxas campaign
• PODCAST: Greg Garcia: VP candidates need a tandem