Sen. Grace Poe continues to play her cards close to her chest.
During Thursday’s program marking the birth anniversary of her father, Fernando Poe Jr., or FPJ, at the Manila North Cemetery, the senator disappointed those who were expecting to hear her make an announcement about her plans for next year’s elections.
As the crowd cocked their ears as she took the microphone, Poe paid tribute to the late actor and to her mother, actress Susan Roces, who was also present in the event.
“What I learned from him are to be sincere in helping others, don’t be boastful but be humble, be truthful in what you do, and most of all is to help others. My parents taught me those lessons. My parents do not discriminate against people,” she told friends, relatives and fans who gathered at the cemetery.
When it was the turn of deposed President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to speak, he worked the crowd as he acknowledged Roces as “the only queen of FPJ” and Poe as the action star’s daughter. He then gestured to them to answer how to next address the senator, “Ang ating susunod na… [our next]…”
And the crowd responded, “Presidente [President]!”
Meanwhile, Caloocan City (Metro Manila) Rep. Edgar Erice, political affairs committee chairman of the Liberal Party, said Poe has virtually declined invitations for her to a meeting.
Erice showed reporters text messages purportedly sent to Poe’s mobile phone number asking for an appointment. He also texted the senator to belie reports he had a hand in the smear campaign against her.
“I can personally assure you that I am not part of those who question your being a Filipino, as being maliciously peddled in the social media. Last year, I was the first one who espoused the idea of a Mar-Poe tandem as the perfect team and up to now it is my belief,” his message to Poe read.
Erice was referring to LP standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd, who has been expressing his preference to have Poe as his running mate in next year’s elections.
Erice’s succeeding text message to Poe did not sound too friendly.
“I am sorry but it is my opinion that you are not yet ready for the presidency but I will respect whatever will be your opinion and decisions. After all, we are accountable for whatever we say or do as public officials. We can agree or disagree on issues but I will always respect you. Thanks, Maam,” the message read.
With LLANESCA T. PANTI