‘Don’t exclude Poe from ballot’

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Francis Escudero is urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to keep the name of presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe on the ballot for the 2016 elections despite the decision of the poll body’s two divisions to disqualify her due to citizenship and residency issues.

Escudero, Poe’s running mate, said she remains a presidential candidate until the Supreme Court rules with finality on her disqualification.

Speaking before the Cauayan City Leadership Summit held recently in the province of Isabela, Escudero explained to local government executives that the rulings of the Comelec’s first and second divisions on Poe’s disqualification are not yet final and would still be tackled by the Comelec in full session.

He further explained that the decision of the Comelec is also not yet final and executory because it is still appealable in the Supreme Court by either party.

Escudero maintained that Poe is a natural-born Filipino and a resident of the country, thus qualified to run for president based on facts, previous rulings of the Supreme Court, and existing local and international laws.

“We trust that the law is on Senator Grace’s side and the Supreme Court would rule in favor of truth and justice,” he added.