Rodriguez party sees Sen. Poe as possible bet

By HERBIE GOMEZ
Editor in chief
and LITO RULONA
Correspondent

THE Supreme Court’s decision to reverse the Commission on Election’s decision to disqualify Sen. Grace Poe from the presidential race could change the local political landscape.

Mayoral candidate and Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of the city’s 2nd District said Poe is being considered by his group, the Centrist Democratic Party (CDP), as its presidential candidate.

“This will have an effect on local politics,” said Rodriguez.

He said the CDP would meet next week and choose the presidential candidate it would  support.

Aside from Poe, the CDP is considering Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, PDP-Laban’s presidential bet.

Rodriguez also lauded the SC’s decision to allow Poe to run for president, saying foundlings like her should never be discriminated.

“We cannot discriminate foundlings,” he said.

Councilor Roger Abaday, Rodriguez’s running mate, said he expected the SC to decide in favor of Poe because “it’s difficult to disqualify a popular candidate,” and “it will ignite trouble.”

Former vice mayor Antonio Soriano opined that the SC’s decision would have no effect on local politics, saying the senator has no clear group in the city.

“Not at all. She has no candidate here,” Soriano said.

Former councilor Ian Mark Nacaya said the SC’s decision would boost Poe’s presidential campaign “pero minimal ra kaayo.”

Nacaya said he does not see how the SC decision would affect his party.

Nacaya’s partymate, Councilor Nadya Emano, said she was happy with the SC’s decision because “at least ang maong issue sa qualification ni Grace Poe natubag na, and we can now move forward,” Emano said.