MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED 4:54) — Sen. Grace Poe and Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Thursday filed their certificates of candidacy for president and vice president, respectively, before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Poe was accompanied by her mother, actress Susan Roces, while Escudero was with his wife, actress Heart Evangelista.
The independent presidential aspirant topped the latest presidential and vice presidential preference surveys of the Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia.
Meanwhile, Escudero ranked second in the latest vice presidential preference polls conducted by the two survey bodies.
After filing, Poe and Escudero reiterated their earlier statement on wanting to lead a government with compassion when elected.
"Layunin po natin na magtayo ng isang pamahalaan na may puso't nakakaramdam at may pakiramdam, isang pamahalaan na nasasaktan kapag may Pilipinong tinatamaan ng matinding kalamidad at paghihirap, isang gobyernong kung saan natutuwa at nagbubunyi kapag may Pilipino ay nagtatagumpay, at isang gobyerno na nagagalit kapag may Pilipinong inaapi o namamatay," Escudero said.
Poe noted that the Aquino government was already able to accomplish reforms in fighting corruption. However, she said there are more to do to fully empower the Filipino citizens.
"Sapagkat ang ating gobyerno malaki na ang pinagbago, sa administradyon ni Pangulong Aquino sa pakikipaglaban sa mga tiwali at korupsyon ngunit marami pa dapat na mga programa ang dapat maibigay para sa mga nangangailangan para naman tayo ay sabay-sabay na umangat at lahat tayo ay sabay-sabay na magpapasalamat na tayo ay hindi pinapabayaan ng ating gobyerno, Poe said.
In her speech, Poe asked for the public's support so can continue the dream of her later father, movie Fernando Poe Jr., who also sought presidency in 2004 but lost to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Poe and Escudero are expected to formally declare their complete senatorial slate next week, according to a report from the STAR.
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Poe faces a disqualification case before the Senate Electoral Tribunal due to questions on her citizenship.
The Comelec, however, clarified on Monday that Poe may still file her certificate of candidacy despite the disqualification case filed against her until the tribunal resolves the case. — Video by Efigenio Toledo IV