Children '' remind me why I ran for the first time'': Poe
Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday said children reminds her why she joined politics as she starts her re-election campaign through a feeding program in Payatas, Quezon City.
“One example, our children. They symbolize hope that’s why I want to start here because it
makes me happy,” Poe said in an ambush interview at the feeding program in Payatas B Elementary School.
“They may not be voters but they remind me why I ran for the first time,” she added.
Poe sponsored Senate Bill 79, now Republic Act No. 11037, Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino (Nutritious Food for Filipino Children) Act signed into law last June 20, 2018.
“The law that we proposed are now passed and we can give funds for feeding program of children,” she said.
“In the first place, you all know that I fought for this in the Senate that the poor and those in need should be the priority, which are children. Imagine if all public schools can give lunches to students. That’s a big help to their family,” she said.
Around 800 students from Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 6 and SPED (Special Education Division) were given free lunches by Poe.
Survey frontrunner Poe, who is running as an independent candidate, said her re-election funds are enough to run her campaign until the final day.
“Before, we are allied with the administration but now we are running as independent and this is good since we are not choosing any group. Everyone who needs help or to those who wants to
help us, thank you,” she said.
“Well, I think it is enough to provide what we need in our campaign. We have friends who will help us and also my mother (actress Susan Roces) will help too,” she added.
Asked about the endorsement of President Rodrigo Duterte, Poe said it would help but she understands his position.
“It could be a big help for me but it’s okay to be an independent. Because sometimes you can’t help to be supportive on the administration but there are some things that you do not agree with because it is part of the job,” Poe explained.
Though grateful that she leads the surveys, Poe said it pressures her as people expects a lot.
Poe said she will be very grateful if the Filipino will vote for her again as she learned a lot from her experiences during 2013 and 2016 presidential election.
“First, we need to respect what our people wants. Second, what I learned from going around is there are still a lot of things to do to help ease poverty, not only from me but I hope all the 12 ( senators) that I will work with can do something to help our countrymen,” she said.
On Wednesday, Poe will be at Tondo, scene of one of the biggest movies of her father, the late Fernando Poe Jr.. “I think they will give me their warm support too,” she said. Ella Dionisio/DMS
