MANILA, Philippines — The invitation for Sen. Grace Poe and Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero to an event in Tawi-Tawi was canceled due to political reasons, according to the senators' joint statement released on Thursday.
"We know that the people of Tawi-Tawi have been preparing for our visit on the invitation of Governor Nurbert Sahali and Congresswoman Ruby Sahali—who both belong to the Liberal Party," the statement said.
Poe and Escudero will run as independent candidates for president and vice president, respectively, in the 2016 national elections.
Both senators ran as guest candidates of the administration party in the 2013 senatorial elections.
"We understand that it must have been very difficult for them to withdraw the invitation," the senators said.
Poe and Escudero were supposed to attend the foundation day celebration of Tawi-Tawi on Sunday.
LP standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas earlier invited Poe to be his running mate for the 2016 elections.
The administration party is set to announce their vice presidential candidate and complete senatorial ticket by the end of the month.