POE TO LOOK BEYOND PARTY POLITICS IN APPOINTING CABINET

ILOILO--In the spirit of unification, Sen. Grace Poe, the only independent presidential candidate, said she would look beyond party lines in establishing her "Gobyernong may Puso."

In an open forum at the University of the Philippines-Iloilo campus, Poe said she intends to appoint people based on their competence and not their political affiliations.

"I am willing to appoint anybody in my Cabinet who has the credibility, the competency, and also the management know-how even if they belong to any party--Liberal (Party), UNA--as long as they are the most qualified for the job," Poe said when asked what she would do to form a political coalition if she becomes president.

"In fact, I have a few people in mind already from the different camps, basta wala silang kaso at magaling sila. That's the only way that you can heal the wounds also between different parties," she said.

Poe, who remains the top pick of voters for president, also vowed not to exact revenge on her critics and political opponents.

"Kahit na sobra na nila akong sinadsad at kung ano (nang) ginawa nila sa akin, alam naman natin may mga kaso, hinarap kong lahat 'yan sa tamang proseso. Sa tingin mo paghihigantihan ko sila 'pag nanalo ako? Hindi. Bakit? Kasi hindi na 'yan matatapos," Poe said.

Her priority, she said, is to bring the country forward by uniting members or supporters of other political camps. This she can do because as an independent candidate, she is not beholden to anyone.

Poe, the first foundling to run for president, believes that there is nothing that a united country cannot do.

"Right now, our growth is at 6 percent to about 6.5 percent. We can reach 9-10 percent if we have the proper governance without corruption or minimized corruption. We can only do that if we are united," the senator said.

Poe, who made electoral history by garnering over 20 million votes when she ran for senator in 2013, said she takes pride in being a newbie in politics. Unlike some old-timers, she said, she is not burdened by too much political baggage.