POE VOWS TO GO TOUGH ON CRIMINALS, DRUG PUSHERS

While known for her calm demeanor, Sen. Grace Poe assured supporters that she would be tough when dealing with criminals, especially those involved in the illegal drug trade.

"Ang mga babae ay mukhang mahinahon lamang pero hindi sumusuko rin sa laban, lalong-lalo na kung ang pinoprotektahan ay kanyang mga mahal sa buhay. Ganoon din ako sa inyo bilang pangulo. Babae man ako, ang importante ay malasakit, tapang, at pagtulong sa mahihirap," Poe said before a crowd of approximately 10,000 during a political rally in Valenzuela last night.

The senator, who leads pre-election surveys as the voters' top choice for president, said she will go barangay to barangay if she has to in order to make sure that the streets are safe.

"Kapag meron akong nakitang isang barangay na hindi pa nasusugpo ang problema at tinawagan ko na ang local government at hindi pa rin ginawan ng paraan, ako mismo na ang pupunta doon para masiguro na maayos ang pamamalakad," she said.

Poe, who had repeatedly warned public officials and uniformed personnel against condoning crime and corruption in government, said she will not go easy on police officers who will fail to reduce the crime rate in their area.

"Sisigurudahin ko na ang itatalaga natin na mga pulis ay matitino, at kapag nahuli natin na ang mismong alagad ng batas ay hindi tumutupad sa kanilang tungkulin, ay mabilis natin silang aalisin. Hindi natin sila poprotektahan kung mali," she said.

She also promised a more focused and extensive monitoring of the peace and order situation across the country. In a "Gobyernong may Puso," a special room will be set up in Malacanang where the president can personally receive updates.

Poe, who believes barangay officials should be trained and equipped in fighting criminality, vowed to put up closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in all barangay crime hotspots.

While stiffer measures will be implemented to maintain peace and order, Poe said her administration will adhere to due process.

"Hindi naman basta-basta puwede na kapag nasususpetsahan ay basta na lang din natin aakusahan. Importante na may proseso. Pero importante na patas ang proseso dahil sa prosesong masyadong mahirap ipaglaban sa korte ang nagiging kawawa ay ang mahihirap dahil hindi nila kaya magbayad ng magagaling na abogado," she said.

Poe and running mate Sen. Francis Escudero, who also leads the vice-presidential race, were in Valenzuela Monday night for a thanksgiving rally with the senatorial bets of their Partido Galing at Puso, which include Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian. Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian is the coalition's spokesperson.

Poe praised Valenzuela's local officials for funding one of the first free lunch programs in the country.

"Dapat ito ay isigaw ninyo at ikarangal ninyo na dito sa Valenzuela ang isa sa pinakaunang lugar sa Pilipinas kung saan maraming mga bata ang libre ang pananghalian sa mga public schools," she said. "Iyan ang ating gustong gawin sa buong Pilipinas, na lahat ng ating mga anak dapat sa kanilang public elementary schools, day care centers, libre na ang pananghalian.