LP hit for allegedly preventing Grace, Chiz from visiting bailiwicks

MANILA, Philippines - Sens. Grace Poe and Francis Escudero yesterday slammed the Liberal Party for allegedly preventing them from visiting the political bailiwicks of the administration.

In a joint statement, Poe and Escudero cited the withdrawal of the invitation for them to attend the celebration of the founding anniversary of Tawi-Tawi this Sunday.

“It is unfortunate that the invitation to attend the Foundation Day of Tawi-Tawi on Sunday was withdrawn for political reasons,” they said.

“We know that the people of Tawi-Tawi have been preparing for our visit on the invitation of Gov. Nurbert Sahali and Congresswoman Ruby Sahali, who both belong to the Liberal Party. We understand that it must have been very difficult for them to withdraw the invitation,” the statement read.

“But in spite of this, we express our heartfelt appreciation for all their effort. We assure the people of Tawi-Tawi that we will continue to support their needs and they can look forward to our visit in the coming days,” it added.

Poe and Escudero are running as independent candidates for president and vice president next year.

Poe’s staff had advised members of the media about the event only to announce that it has been cancelled.

Kamahardikaan Tawi-Tawi is a showcase of the province’s heritage, economic potential and festive atmosphere. One of the highlights is the Agal-Agal (seaweed) festival. This year’s theme is Tawi-Tawi at 42: Kamahardikaan facing up to the challenges of ASEAN integration with strength, collaboration and harmony.

Inhibit from the case

As this developed, former senator Rene Saguisag has joined calls for Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to inhibit himself from the disqualification case filed against Poe before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET).

Saguisag, a human rights lawyer and law professor, said Carpio has prejudged the case with his statement that Poe, being a foundling, is not a natural-born Filipino.

“I think he should have waited until all arguments are in before concluding that Grace is naturalized, not natural-born, which Chief Justice Roberto Concepcion defined as ‘one born a citizen,’” he said.

“It seems to me his startling imprudent and egregious prejudgment allows him no wiggle room,” he added.

Carpio is chairman of the nine-member SET hearing the disqualification case filed by defeated senatorial candidate Rizalito David against Poe.

Saguisag said Poe should be considered a natural-born citizen in accordance with the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states the right to a nationality is one of the most fundamental human rights.

“Being a ‘pulot’ or ‘ampon’ used to be a traditional vilification modern thought now looks askance at. The UDHR’s Article 15 says everyone has the right to a nationality,” he pointed out.

“Grace should not be denied that right. And nationality should attach at birth, not a day, week, month, a year later, an unmanageable standard. When was she naturalized, assuming she needed to be?” he added.

Burden of proof

Saguisag said the burden of proof could not shift to Poe, who should be accorded the presumption of being a natural-born citizen.

“When will we stop vilifying foundlings?” Saguisag asked. “They have parents, if unknown.”

“It seems to me to put the burden on Rizalito David in this seeming case of first impression is legally tenable, intellectually respectable and psychologically satisfying,” he added. – With Edu Punay, Jess Diaz, Marvin Sy