Grace Poe: Still in the running

An emotional Grace Poe says the timing of the Supreme Court’s decision on her disqualification case, which ruled in her favor, seemed like a ‘divine message.’

Camille Elemia reports.

CAMILLE ELEMIA, REPORTING: It’s a game-changing ruling. The Supreme Court voting 9-6 allows presidential bet Grace Poe to run for president, overturning her disqualification. An emotional Poe welcomes the decision, which she calls a pleasant surprise.

GRACE POE, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Nagulat ako akala ko out na, I care about it. I care about running, I care about the privilege to serve. I’m not obsessed about the position so I was ready, and I’m ready to accept whatever the decision will be. it was a pleasant surprise.

Just as her life journey as a foundling started in a cathedral, Poe, found herself in front of Quiapo Church when she learned about the life-changing ruling.

GRACE POE, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Sa lahat ng lugar na malalaman ko pa kahit tanungin nyo mga kasama ko sa sasakyan tumigil yung balita pagdating ko mismo sa harap ng simbahan kung saan ako’y nagpupunta. Katatapos lang ng balita nasabi nila havang papunta ko roon, katatapos lang noong dumating ako doon kaya para bang bumaba ka na magpasalamat ka na. Yung mga vendors doon na lagi kong nakikita siguro nag-iisip bakit namumugto mata nito?

(I found out about the decision – even if you ask those I was with – the moment the vehicle stopped in front of the church I go to. It was as if someone was telling me to go down and give thanks. The vendors I always see were probably thinking why my eyes were red.)

With the shadow of uncertainty over her, Poe has seen her ratings go up and down.
Now that the SC has spoken, the senator says she does not want to be complacent.

GRACE POE, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Lahat yan depende sa mensahe at sa trabaho. Walang kasiguruhan sa kampanya na ito pero sa tingin ko mas meron nang lakas ng loob na pumili at sumuporta ngayon na meron namg desisyon ang Korte Suprema.

(That all depends on the message and the job. In this campaign, nothing is for certain. I think others are more encouraged to support the decision of the Supreme Court.)

Now that the biggest obstacle has been removed, is Malacañang clearly in the horizon for Poe? Poe says whatever happens, it’s already a victory to be where she is now, still standing after 4 disqualification cases.

Camille Elemia, Rappler, Manila. – Rappler.com