Press Release
March 7, 2016

POE REMAINS HOPEFUL AS SHE AWAITS SC DECISION

BUTUAN CITY - As she awaits the decision of the Supreme Court, independent presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe said she remains hopeful that the High Court will side with her and the Filipino people who have a constitutional right to choose their leaders.

Poe, who continues to lead pre-election surveys despite questions on her candidacy, said the strong merits of her case and the positive statements of magistrates including Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno are giving her hope.

"Kami po ay patuloy na nananalangin at nanatiling kumpiyansa sapagkat sa mga narinig natin doon sa Supreme Court Chief Justice mismo. Ang sabi niya ang mga Pilipino, mga batang nadampot, dapat talaga mayroon naman 'yang karapatan sa ating bansa," Poe said during an interview in Butuan City early Monday.

Poe said it is a dream and a privilege, especially for a foundling like her, to continue serving the people. Still, as a law-abiding citizen, she said she is ready to accept however the Court decides.

"Sabi nila itong linggo na ito magkakaroon na ng desisyon. Salamat naman para magkaalaman na rin tayo," Poe said.

"Para sa akin naman, pangarap ko talaga ang mapabuti ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Sana naman mabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon. Hinihiling ko sa Korte Suprema na sana pagbigyan ang taumbayan na mamili kung sino ang karapat-dapat para sa kanila," she said.

Poe, who was abandoned as an infant at the Jaro Church in Iloilo, is the first foundling to run for president and by far the most popular candidate. As such, she is being questioned by allies of her political opponents on issues of citizenship and residency.

In December, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) canceled Poe's certificate of candidacy for president for alleged material misrepresentation.

In a memorandum she filed last month, Poe insisted that the COMELEC denied her due process and abused its discretion by disregarding the overwhelming evidence that her camp presented to prove her natural-born status and 10-year residency in the Philippines.

After five rounds of oral arguments, the Supreme Court en banc is expected to deliberate on Poe's disqualification cases tomorrow, March 8.

During a press conference in Samboan, Cebu over the weekend, Poe said she is praying for a decision that is fair and just.

"Ako kasi kahit na anong magiging desisyon, ang dasal ko lang ay kung ano'ng gusto ng Diyos at kung ano'ng makatarungan. Pero sa tingin ko ano pa mang desisyon 'yan ay kaya kong tanggapin," she said.

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