Poe: Human rights violators have no right to rule

MANILA, Philippines  — Sen. Grace Poe on Thursday stressed that the government must be founded on human rights, and human rights violators should not lead.

"Lahat ng tao ay isinilang na may karapatan sa mundong ito, mahirap man o mayaman. Kaya dapat ay kasali ang lahat at walang maiiwan sa buhay.  Kasama dito ang karapatang pumili ng kanyang lider," Poe said in a statement.

Poe, a presidential aspirant, noted that the public has the right to choose its own leaders, and that the country needs leaders who respect and uphold human rights in the face of challenges.

"Ang gobyerno o ang mga tao na umaabuso sa mga karapatang pantao ay lumalabag sa International Human Rights at walang karapatang mamuno sa ating bansa," the senator said.

The independent presidential aspirant has been facing several issues regarding her citizenship.

The senator's camp has often cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in arguing that Poe has the right to run for president despite being a foundling.

"We all have the right to a nationality, the right to belong to a country," the senator said.

Poe was found in the Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo and was later on adopted by movie star Fernando Poe Jr. and his wife Susan Roces.

"I have always said that abandoned children are entitled to the same rights that all people enjoy. The circumstances of their birth do not make them lesser humans," Poe said.

The senator expressed her confidence that the Supreme Court will take her side as it recognizes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified Poe from the presidential race due to "material misrepresentation" on her 2013 certificate of candidacy for senator.

However, Poe filed an appeal before the Comelec en banc to reverse the decision. She is also set to take her case before the high court.

"At the end of the day, I trust that the Supreme Court recognizes the right of every Filipino to choose his leader," Poe said, adding that she expects fair treatment from the court.

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