Bunye: Poe’s capability the real issue, not his citizenship

Capability is more an asset than passing all the tests.

The final ruling of the Supreme Court over the issue of citizenship of actor Fernando Poe Jr. on Tuesday still leaves doubt in Filipino voters’ minds how he will run the government given his lack of experience, Malacañang said yesterday.

"So this decision by the Supreme Court is fine by us. However, what we should all remember (is) that being declared as citizen is one thing, and being qualified for the position is another ... that is capability," Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said.

Bunye sought to denigrate anew Poe’s lack of experience despite his having finally been declared by the Supreme Court as fit to run in the May 10 presidential elections as standard-bearer of the opposition Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP).

"I think that (capability) is more important. So it is very important for Mr. Fernando Poe to explain his own platform," Bunye said.

Bunye renewed the challenge to Poe to participate in public debates and explain what is in store for Filipinos if he gets elected.

Bunye said it is important for Poe to explain his platform of government and what the KNP is offering as an alternative to the Arroyo administration.

Poe has repeatedly refused to participate in the debates saying they are "too divisive."–With James Mananghaya