Bryan on mom Sen. Grace: We won’t stop her from running

MANILA, Philippines - Should Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares finally decide to run for a higher office (president or vice president?), her son Bryan Poe Llamanzares was quoted saying that the family will support her.

“We are aware of the sacrifices we may have to make as a family if she runs,” said Bryan, 23, who is on leave from CNN Philippines where he works as a reporter. “But we won’t stop her from achieving her dreams for this country which she loves so much.”

A Political Science graduate from Ateneo de Manila University who did an exchange program on writing at the Fordham University, Bryan added that the family would also support Sen. Chiz Escudero should he decide to run (for whatever). Bryan said he remembers how Sen. Chiz helped Sen. Grace when nobody wanted to back her up when she ran for senator due to low ratings at the start of the 2013 campaign. She eventually finished the senatorial race as topnotcher.

“He also supported Papa Ronnie (FPJ) and my mom even when it was not the popular thing to do,” added Bryan who, then 12, touched televiewers when asked what he had told his Lolo Ronnie. In tears, Bryan said, “I reminded him not to make any promises that he couldn’t fulfill.” Words to that effect.

FPJ’s birthday will be commemorated on Thursday, Aug. 20.