MANILA, Philippines — Sheryl Cruz said she's "saddened" over the disqualification of her cousin Grace Poe from the presidential race.
The decision of the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) Second Division came out on Tuesday afternoon.
READ: Comelec disqualifies Grace Poe from presidential race
"Siyempre she's my family, I'm saddened kasi alam ko hindi madali ang pinagdadaanan niya," she said in an interview on Thursday.
It was in September when Sheryl expressed her opinion that Poe is not ready for the presidential race.
READ: Sheryl Cruz cousin Grace Poe not ready to be president
Although she sympathizes with her, she also advised her cousin to respect the decision of Comelec.
"For me, ano man ang maging desisyon ng mas nakakaalam ng mga batas natin, dapat respetuhin natin," she said.
In the end, she hopes that "she's able to survive anumang hurdles and ibato sa harapan niya."
Meanwhile, Sheryl is grateful for the Best Supporting Actress for the GMA TV series "Strawberry Lane."
"I'm very thankful to God kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanya hindi ko malalaman ang calling ko," she said. "Parents ko kasi wala ko sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon kung hindi dahil sa kanila."
She also thanked her fans who supported her whatever role she portrays.