Palace: Some groups creating rift between Roxas, Poe

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Wednesday dismissed allegations that the administration's presidential bet and his camp are behind the attacks against Sen. Grace Poe.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said there are only groups that are trying to cause a division between Poe and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

"There are attempts by some quarters to drive a wedge between Sec. Mar and Sen. Poe," Lacierda said in a text message.

Lacierda said it is illogical for Roxas and the Liberal Party to attack Poe since she is being wooed to be their vice presidential candidate.

"Mar Roxas already said he believes she is a Filipino. It makes no sense for us to invite her to be VP and at the same time attack her," he said.

The Palace's statements came after Poe recently met with Roxas and told him that her attackers were from his camp.

Poe admitted in her meeting with Roxas on Sunday that she was hurt by questions raised by some groups about her citizenship and residency.

"Sinabi ko sa kanya, tayo kapag nag-uusap tayo diretsahan tayo mag-usap, pero may mga tao kayo na talagang tinitira ako sa likod," Poe said. "Pero hangga't sinusuyo ako, puro kabakligtaran naman ang ginagawa nung iba."

"Sabi niya, ang pagkakaalam niya hindi galing sa kampo niya. Pero hindi ba may mga sinasabi na mapakla raw ako dahil nga hindi pa ako hinog. Galing naman iyan sa kampo nila," she added.

During their meeting, Poe said Roxas personally asked her to be running mate. The senator, however, maintained that she will make her decision in the appropriate time.

Poe said she would not be sweet-talked into accepting offers, as her conviction and stand on issues are her guides in making a decision.

"I don’t want to mislead or to give false hopes," she said.