STATEMENT OF SEN. FRANCIS "CHIZ" ESCUDERO
ON THE PETITIONS OF SEN. GRACE POE TO SEEK A TRO
FROM THE SUPREME COURT

I expect the Supreme Court to resolve Sen. Grace Poe's petitions expeditiously so we can move forward and proceed with our campaign.

I trust that our Magistrates' unquestionable wisdom and integrity will once and for all settle questions surrounding Sen. Poe's qualifications to seek the highest post in the land. I stand by Sen. Poe and maintain that she is qualified to run for president in the 2016 national elections.

The decision of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is against the spirit and intent of the provisions of the Constitution pertaining to natural-born Filipinos, inclusivity and diversity.

Let us not allow baseless allegations being floated by malicious minds to once again succeed and supersede the very heart of the issue here, which is the right of Sen. Poe, a foundling, to run for public office.

I have my highest respect for and confidence in our Magistrates that they will uphold the truth.