POE BACK IN JARO CHURCH AFTER SC DECISION

ILOILO--Sen. Grace Poe, the first foundling to run for president of the Philippines, returned Monday to the church where she was found as an infant for a few quiet moments of thanksgiving.

Poe, who continues to lead the presidential preference surveys, squeezed in a visit to the Jaro Cathedral in the middle of several scheduled campaign activities in Sta. Barbara, Zarraga, Leganes and Pavia.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa pagkakataong ito, nakabalik ako at nakahinga nang maluwag, hindi naman dahil sa makakatakbo na ako bilang pangulo kung hindi dahil kinilala na rin ako, lalong-lalo na dito ako nanggaling," the senator said.

Despite having frequented the province in the past months, it was Poe's first time back in Iloilo since winning the legal battle concerning her qualification to run for president.

Voting 9-6, the Supreme Court reversed on March 8 the two decisions of the Commission on Elections canceling Poe's certificate of candidacy for president. The decision removed all legal impediments to Poe's presidential bid.

The senator thanked the local families from Iloilo and Guimaras who tried to help her identify her biological parents. While all DNA tests yielded no match, Poe said she would still welcome any information that might help her know her roots.

"Kahit na may desisyon na ang Korte Suprema, gusto ko pa rin malaman sana 'yung kabuuan ng istorya at ako'y patuloy na nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga pamilya na lumapit at boluntaryong nagbigay ng kanilang DNA para mawakasan na ito," Poe said.

She said she met a local whose mother was the midwife who cut her umbilical cord.

Poe was found at the Jaro Church in 1968 and was later adopted by movie stars Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces. During her campaign rally in Jaro last month, Poe vowed to take her oath of office in Iloilo, if she wins.

"Syempre dahil, 'di ba, mayroong sentimiyento 'yan, siyempre galing ako dito. At saka sabi ko nga, kung mabibigyan ako ng pagkakataon ay talagang gusto ko rin dito magsimula ulit," Poe said.