Sen. Grace Poe today said one’s character should be scrutinized in electing a senator and not just on the basis of a college education.
“Ang pagkatao ang pinaka-importante, hindi yung mga narating mong napag-aralan kundi papaano ka bilang isang tao,” Poe said in an interview in Vigan, Ilocos Sur on Wednesday, Feb. 20 when asked about her opinion on a suggestion requiring higher education for senators.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution requires that a person shall be a natural-born Filipino, at least 35 years old, able to read and write, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day of the election to become a senator.
But the draft Federal Constitution of the House of Representatives requires a college degree for president, vice president, senators and other top officials.
“Sa isang demokrasya, hindi mo puwedeng sabihin na kailangan college graduate lang yung tatakbo kasi dapat lahat may representasyon,” Poe, an independent senatorial candidate, added.
Poe said the electorate should have a chance to check the credentials of the candidates.
“Ang importante, dapat magkaroon ng pagkakataon ang ating mga kababayan na makilala at makilatis ang bawat kandidato,” said Poe.
She likewise asserted that it is important for the Senate to have independent senators especially during investigations in aid of legislation.
“Hindi naman dapat galing sa iisang grupo lang… Hindi ba mas maganda ang Senado kung balanse at patas? Kung manggagaling sa iisang partido lang, papaano natin iimbestigahan nang patas ang mga isyu?” said Poe in a separate radio interview.
“Nandiyan din kami hindi lang gumawa ng batas kundi masiguro na yung implementasyon ng batas ay tama at walang nangungurakot. Eh papaano kung isang partido ka lang, e di nagkampihan [na lang] lahat. Kaya baka gusto niyo maglagay rin ng isang independent don para naman yung pananaw ay hindi iisang kinakampihan lamang,” Poe added.
Poe was in the heritage town of Vigan to go “back to basics” as she spoke to students of the University of Northern Philippines and met with local officials of the first district of Ilocos Sur to “hear their concerns.”
Poe said Ilocos region is the “favorite” place of her father, Fernando Poe, Jr. as he filmed several of his movies there such as “Ang Maestro,” “Ang Panday” and “Ang Pagbabalik ng Lawin,” among others.
She said her father would always take her in tow to Vigan when she was young.
“Dinadala niya ako dito sabay na ang trabaho at bakasyon kasi minsan wala na siyang oras para magbakasyon ako, kaya isinasama na niya ako dito,” said Poe. (30)
