Palace denies LP behind attacks on Poe

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang denied yesterday Sen. Grace Poe’s allegations that Liberal Party (LP) stalwarts are behind the underhanded attacks against her, particularly on her citizenship.

The LP does not even need to defend her on such issues, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

“Mar Roxas already said he believes she (Poe) is a Filipino,” he said.

“It makes no sense for us to invite her to be vice president and at the same time attack her.”

The question was asked if LP could “at the very least defend” Poe – who is now being questioned for her citizenship and residency status.

Some quarters are attempting to drive a wedge between Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Poe, Lacierda said.

At the House of Representatives, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. denied insinuations that the LP was behind the attacks against Poe.

It was not in the LP’s character to woo Poe and backstab, the party’s vice chairman told reporters.

“I don’t know about that (dirty tricks),” he said.

“To me it’s a contradiction in terms because how can you actually like her (Poe) – and indeed we love her, we would want her, all of us do – and at the same time say that she is not qualified? That’s a contradiction.” 

You Against Corruption and Poverty Rep. Carol Lopez, a Roxas ally, appealed for “sense and sensibility” in response to Poe’s allegations.

“That is unfortunate because I think Mar Roxas should be given due pogi points for gentlemanly offering Sen. Grace to consider partnering with him like a true Filipino admirer,” she said.

“It is unfair that his leadership style is thus thumbed down because of malicious propaganda from various sources.” 

Political leaders as well as the general public should ask who will benefit if the talks between Roxas and Poe to run as a tandem in the 2016 elections break down, Lopez said.

“I wonder who’s behind all these intrigues about Poe being attacked by Mar’s people,” she said.

Roxas has given orders to his partymates to respect whatever answer he gets from Poe or others the administration is considering to be its vice presidential candidate, Lopez said.

“Sen. Poe had Secretary Mar’s word, and he kept it,” she said.

“I hope she considers that he came to her with his guard down, hoping she sees through his resolve, and I hope the good senator also considers that Mar Roxas is too gracious to even insinuate to his supporters not to honor whatever they have agreed upon.” 

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said the issues raised against Poe on her citizenship, residency and track record will come out regardless of who her political opponents are, as they are something “that she carries with her.”