MANILA, Philippines - Her father may have been unsuccessful in his political ambition, but senator-elect Grace Poe-Llamanzares said "Da King" will be her inspiration in serving the public.
The newly-proclaimed senator said her father, the late Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ), will serve as her guide as she takes on a new field as a lawmaker.
"Ang tatay ko nanindgan at tumulong sa mga kabababayan nating naaapi. Siguro 'yan ang dapat na maging gabay ko dito sa trabahong ito," Poe told reporters before her official proclamation rites on Thursday evening at the Comission on Elections' national canvassing center in Pasay City.
Poe said that just like her father, who ran in the 2004 presidential elections, holding a government position opens bigger opportunities in serving the people.
She said that as a senator, she will be pushing for the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill and will help farmers and the agriculture sector.
FPJ's wife, veteran actress Susan Roces, described her daughter's victory as "God's will."
"It's a tough job that she's going to face," Roces told reporters in a chance interview.
Poe, currently the consistent frontrunner in the official tally for the Senate race, admitted that she feels pressured to be ranked first.
"Alam kong malaking responsibilidad ito," she said.
And as preparations for her new profession, Poe said she will be studying the bills she wants to propose.
She added that she will now form a staff which will help her work efficiently.
But before suiting up for new job, Poe said she will first spend time with her children as their summer vacation is also about to end.
Asked if she's prepared for the new changes to come in her life, Poe simply responded: "I'm hoping."
Grace Poe: FPJ will be my guide
Senator-elect Grace Poe, the frontrunner in the 2013 senatorial election, poses with her mother, Susan Roces, during her proclamation at the Commission on Elections' National Board Canvassing Center in Pasay City on Thursday, May 16, 2013. CRIS CAYANAN