Press Release
March 28, 2016

POE THANKS NINONG ERAP FOR ENDORSEMENT

Independent presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe received the coveted endorsement of former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, who declared support for Poe's presidential bid Monday night.

Estrada, who is running for re-election, bucked party lines and ended months of speculation when he made the announcement during his proclamation rally in Liwasang Bonifacio.

"Tulad ng kanyang ama, siya'y mahal ko rin at bahagi ng aking buhay... Mga kasama, mga kaibigan, palakpakan po natin ang aking inaanak, ang susunod na pangulo ng Pilipinas, walang iba kundi si Grace Poe," Estrada said, introducing Poe to a cheering crowd.

Estrada raised Poe's arm in front of thousands of supporters and gave her an armband that he popularized, first as an actor, and later as a politician.

Poe, who remains the top pick of voters for president, said she was grateful for her godfather's trust.

"Ninong, maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong pag-endorso sa akin, nakakataba po talaga ng puso. Alam ko ito ay isang desisyon na pinag-isipan ninyong mabuti. Alam kong mahal mo ang aking ama, pero alam ko na ang mga desisyon na ganito ay para rin sa bayan," Poe said at Estrada's proclamation rally.

Estrada's endorsement of Poe is seen as his way of honoring his friendship with the senator's late father Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ), his best friend from his movie days.

"Hindi ako iniwanan niyan (FPJ). Paano ko iiwanan 'to, anak ng hari at reyna ng pelikulang Pilipino?" Estrada said.

FPJ, known as the "King of Philippine Movies," had helped Estrada's campaign when Estrada ran for mayor of San Juan, senator, vice-president, and eventually for president. He was also among those who convinced FPJ to run for president in 2004. FPJ lost in what is widely believed to be fraudulent elections.

"Para sa akin, isang karangalan magkaroon ng pagsuporta ng isang mahal ng masa at nagmamahal sa ating mga kababayan," Poe said.

"Si Erap ay nakakaramdam, nakikiisa sa inyo, hindi manhid, naiintindihan kayo. 'Yan din ang aming nais isulong: isang gobyerno na nakakaramdam sa inyong mga suliranin, na magbibigay ng agarang solusyon para sa inyo," she said.

Poe said her "Gobyernong may Puso" will ensure that there is equal access to opportunities, especially for the marginalized sectors.

"Bilang inyong mga pinuno, ang mga isusulong namin ay pareho rin. Nais namin magkaroon ng libreng pananghalian sa lahat ng public schools. Nais natin na ang anak ng mahihirap ay makapagtapos ng kolehiyo na hindi na kailangan pang intindihin ang pambayad. Dapat patas ang laban sa ating bayan, hindi pwedeng iilan lamang ang namamayagpag," she said.

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