MANILA–Moments after Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas called on independent presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe to talk for unity against looming dictatorship, Poe clarified that she will not withdraw from the presidential race set on Monday.
”Pwede naman kaming mag-usap anytime. Pero pangungunahan ko na…kung iniisip nila ay pag-uusap sa pag atras, ako ay hindi aatras. Para sa akin, medyo katraydoran din na bigla na lang kami-kami lang ang magdedesisyon,” Poe said in media interview in Laguna campaign sortie Friday night.
In a hastily called press conference at LP’s headquarters in Quezon City, Roxas read a press statement where he called on Poe to a unity meeting to thwart the possible victory of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who warned to create a revolutionary government if needs will arise.
Roxas did not say if either he or Poe should withdraw but hinted that someone between them should make sacrifice.
”I call for unity. I call for decency. I call for democracy. I call for the rule of law. I call on Senator Grace Poe. Grace, mag-usap tayo. I will adjust schedules to your convenience. Sabihin mo lang kung saan at kailan at darating ako. This is for unity. This is for our country. This is for our future,” Roxas said.
In response, Poe said she always maintain decency specially when it comes to serving the Filipino people.
”Basta marami na tayong pinagdaanan at ang dala-dala natin dito ay ang mga pangarap at pag-asa ng ating mga kababayan na hindi naman siguro dapat i-postpone dito,” Poe said.
Poe said if Roxas will withdraw “it’s up to them to decide.”