Grace supporters flood Fernando Poe Jr. birth anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - Short of making a formal statement, Sen. Grace Poe and her camp seemed ready to hit the campaign trail on the possibility of seeking the presidency in next year’s elections.

Tarpaulins proclaiming “Takbo POE!” were seen among the big crowd of supporters, purportedly urging the senator to run in the May 2016 elections.  

If the tarpaulins during the 76th birth anniversary yesterday at the tomb of the late action star Fernando Poe Jr. are any indication, then all that is needed is the senator’s formal declaration of candidacy.

Fernando Poe Jr., or FPJ, who was Ronald Allan Kelly Poe in real life, died in 2004. He lost to then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whose 2004 victory was marred with allegations of election fraud.

Members of the Great People’s Movement for Progress – whose acronym GPMP contains Grace’s initials – were present during the simple mass that marked FPJ’s birthday.  

They put up banners – bearing Grace’s photograph with the words, GPMP 2016, against a light blue backdrop – which lined the path leading to the family mausoleum at the North Cemetery in Manila.

There were also slogans, such as “Grace of the People movement.” Other supporters wore blue shirts, urging Grace to continue her father’s fight. Stickers with “GP2016” and the senator’s photograph were also seen at the tents set up near the mausoleum.  

Despite the show of support, Sen. Poe maintained that she has not reached a final decision yet.

Poe spoke in Filipino, thanking supporters for their trust and confidence. “Not only for supporting me to run (for the presidency) but also for the trust and approval of the public in my capacity. That is what is important,” she said.

Poe said she recognized the initiative of the supporters, saying she was humbled by the efforts of the volunteers.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada teased the crowd, asking them whether FPJ’s child will be “the succeeding…?” The crowd responded: “president.”

Poe also downplayed Estrada’s statement, which was perceived by some as an endorsement. She said Estrada is FPJ’s best friend, and that his presence should not be misconstrued for anything since North Cemetery is within his area of jurisdiction as mayor of Manila.

Poe said she is still sizing herself up, whether she can actually face the responsibilities once she runs for higher office, taking into consideration the lessons she learned from her father, who ran but lost in the 2004 elections.

Even in his homily, officiating priest Fr. Larry Faraon dished out high praise for the senator. At times the priest took swipes at Grace’s critics, addressing issues concerning the senator’s nationality and citizenship.

During the homily, Faraon even asked why Poe had to settle for number two when she can go for number one. He added that Poe would be able to continue the ideals of the late FPJ.

Faraon went on to quote a line from FPJ’s film in defending the senator from critics. “Hindi na kayo sisikatan ng araw (You will never see the light of day).”– With Danny Dangcalan