Poe starts meeting local political leaders

CEBU, Philippines- Senator Grace Poe has admitted meeting some of Cebu’s local political leaders ahead as part of the process to help her decide whether or not to run for a higher position in 2016.

Poe refused to divulge the names of the local leaders she had a meeting with, saying that like her, they have not also made a decision yet.

 “Yes I am having consultations with the local leaders. Kaya lang hindi ko pa pwedeng pangalanan sila sapagkat ako din mismo ay hindi pa nagdedeklara at sila rin,” Poe said.

 She said her decision will be made known before the October 16 deadline of the filing of certificate of candidacy.

“Malayo pa naman ang deadline. But hopefully soon,” Poe said.

Lawyer Winston Garcia, former president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System, earlier admitted meeting Poe two weeks ago in which he presented his plans and programs for Cebu.  Like Poe, Garcia has not also made a categorical declaration that he is running for governor. Poe did not confirm nor deny meeting with Garcia.

While she admitted consulting with local leaders of Cebu, Poe said that they have yet to come to a point where they have chosen a candidate for local positions like governor.

 “Wala pa naman kami sa puntong yun. Basta para sa akin kung sino ang pwedeng makatulong sa Cebu, yun ang gusto naming suportahan,” Poe said.

 Poe is leading other presidential wannabes in political surveys. She is also being pursued by the Liberal Party to be Secretary Mar Roxas’ runningmate.Poe said she is thankful to Roxas for choosing her as his preferred vice presidential candidate.

“Parehas naman kami na may mga plano. May kanya-kanya kaming lakbay dito kung ano sa tingin namin ang makakabuti sa ating sambayanan at kung papaano makatulong, yun po ang aking gagawin,” she said.

Meanwhile, Poe has noticed Cebu’s worsening traffic problem as she visited downtown area to attend the opening of the University of San Carlos intramurals.

“Dito sa Cebu ang sabi nila traffic sa Metro Manila, pero actually Cebu is very progressive and it is also traffic. Dapat talaga malaman kung ano ang mga infrastructure projects na kailangan gawin,” Poe said.

Poe was invited by the Tingog Carolinian Party USC Junior Jaycees.  Members of the media were barred from entering the USC gym where the senator was to deliver a speech.   According to the organizers, they do not want the venue to be politicized.

 “I sympathized your frustrations because I am advocating for media presence for this is part of transparency. But I respect the leadership of the school. I am not privy to it but I respect them,” Poe said.  (FREEMAN)