Victory in the SC!

The Gods of Padre Faura have spoken. And they have allowed the voice of the people to govern and control the results of this election. The Supreme Court is true to its commitment as the bulwark of democracy and the Constitution. They have not allowed mere technicality and a narrow, discriminatory interpretation of the fundamental law of the land to dictate the will of the populace. Grace Poe’s qualifications as a candidate for the presidency were upheld by the highest court of the land.

All doubts of Poe running for (and winning) the elections are laid to rest. In the polls, we can expect an increase in the gap between her and second-placer, Duterte, as the confidence of the people returns to her side. It should be noted that Poe’s performance in the polls only dipped because of the pending disqualification cases filed against her.

The decision of the SC is proof that the law cannot be made as instruments to further the selfish interests of Poe’s political opponents. The decision is not only a victory for Poe but it is also a testament to the equally-protected rights of foundlings. It is a testament that one can never go wrong once you have the interest of the general public on your side.

Leni Robredo is right when she said that the issue over Poe’s citizenship is more of a “moral issue, than a legal one.” Poe represents all foundlings whose circumstances have made them prone to discrimination and abuse. More than legal technicalities and statutory provisions, the court’s decision is an affirmative action for persons similarly situated with Poe. Leni Robredo, among all the other candidates, understood the issue faced by Grace Poe. As a woman whose life is centered on her family, Robredo sympathizes with Poe’s predicament of not knowing her biological parents. But that should not define one’s citizenship and allegiance to the country. Robredo refuses to be blinded by partisan politics in order to see the validity of Poe’s intentions. This is a hallmark of a Vice-President that we need – one that is able to transcend political divisions and oppositions and be able to work together and compromise for a common goal.

Iboto! Poe-Robredo!