Noting how her detractors are concentrating on her eligibility to run for president, Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares yesterday said she is ready to defend herself should they decide to bring up the matter before the courts.
“If it goes to the court, I’m ready to defend it,” Poe said told reporters in a forum in Makati City.
Poe was invited as guest at the Rotary Club of Manila’s Journalism Award 2015.
The senator clarified thought that she has yet to decide whether to run for a higher government position in 2016.
Against this backdrop, members of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, is questioning her citizenship and the years of her residency in the Philippines.
However, Poe said she is thankful that her critics have brought up her residency and citizenship issues before the public.
“I’d like to thank my detractors because they actually brought it to the consciousness of the people,” Poe said.
“It has given me a chance to explain my side, to defend myself,” the senator added referring to Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco’s claims Poe is not qualified to seek a higher post next year because she is six years short of the 10-year residency requirement for candidates seeking to run for election.
MANILA BULLETIN
