MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Grace Poe was emotional during the commemoration of her father, veteran actor Fernando Poe Jr.’s 11th death anniversary at the Manila North Cemetery.
The embattled presidential aspirant facing a number of disqualification cases expressed regret that she was not able to thank her father before he died in 2004.
”I have gone through many challenges in life and every time I think of FPJ’s life, my regret was that I was not able to thank him before he died. That’s why my life now is an appreciation to FPJ,” Poe said.
Poe was in the United States when FPJ passed away six months after he lost a presidential election won by former president and current Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
In her announcement of her presidential bid last September, Poe said she chooses to follow FPJ’s dream for the country.
Poe faces four disqualification cases and was recently disqualified by two divisions of the Commission on Election.
”In everything I’ve been facing right now, I always remember what my father had told me: don’t give up if you’re fighting for what is right, don’t give up if your fighting for your principle and last, don’t give up if you’re fighting for others’ welfare and not only for yourself,” Poe said.
During the commemoration, Poe was joined by her mother, veteran actress Susan Roces, husband Neil and children Bryan and Hannah and other members of Poe family and personalities from entertainment industry.
Poe’s senatorial candidates and supporters, lawyer Lorna Kapunan and Reps. Sammy Pagdilao, Sherwin Gatchalian and Roman Romulo were also present during the commemoration.