Poe camp denies Chiz abandoned her

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Grace Poe’s camp on Monday denied reports that Poe’s running mate, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero abandoned her.

Poe’s spokesperson, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, defended the Poe-Chiz tandem from the detractors claiming that Escudero abandoned Poe, urging them to stop the black propaganda as it is a waste of time.

“The recent story being circulated that Sen. Chiz has abandoned Sen. Grace is baseless and a bareface lie,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“If the people behind this story plan to drive wedge between the two candidates, they should stop wasting their time as the two candidates continue to fight this battle together, side-by-side. Their relationship as running mates remain grounded on common advocacies for the people. These people should focus on promoting their advocacies rather than dwelling on black prop,” he added.

Gatchalian appealed to the supporters and asked them not to believe the black propaganda being circulated against Escudero.

On Monday morning, a group called “PHL Crusade for Justice,” supporting Poe but is anti-Escudero, protested over the alleged connivance between Escudero and presidential candidate Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay.

PHL Crusader for Justice voiced out their opposition against Escudero and dubbed him as “Ahas,” “Boy Laglag” and “Boy Abandona” and claimed that there is a secret deal between Binay and Escudero.

The group rallied in front of the Supreme Court before Poe’s camp filed the petitions to reverse the Commission on Elections disqualification ruling.

Poe's camp denied these accusations and said the Poe-Chiz tandem remained committed to their campaign to change the government.

“The tandem of Sen. Poe and Escudero remains steadfast in forging for a government that will push for inclusive growth. Gobyerno kung saan walang maiiwanan. The Poe-Escudero tandem reamains strong despite all the black propaganda being hurled against them,” Gatchalian said.

“It’s disgusting that certain groups continue to destroy our candidates- first individually and now as a tandem. These people started their attacks on Sen. Poe and now have launched an offensive aimed at sowing intrigue between the Poe-Escurdero tandem,” Gatchalian said. -With reports from Edu Punay