INDEPENDENT presidential candidate Grace Poe on Sunday renewed her call to the people to choose a leader who will not only make them feel secure but will also respect their rights.
She made her call as more than 54 million Filipinos are expected to troop to the polling centers today to cast their votes for the next president, vice president, 12 senators and local officials.
She also renewed her appeal to the electorate not to back the presidential bid of a corrupt candidate; an inept, insensitive and indecisive leader or engaged in extra-judicial killings.
Poe made her statement even as her running mate Francis Escudero said Poe was the only hope of the country, a leader who would inspire and bring out the best in every Filipino.
ìI want a president that inspires us. I want a president that brings out the best in every Filipino, not the worst in every Filipino,î Escudero said.
He made his statement in a final pitch to voters in the miting de avance of Partido Galing at Puso at Plaza Miranda in Manila on Saturday night.
Poe’s spokesman, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, said there were no unity talks between Poe’s camp and the camp of vice presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“There’s no such thing,” Gatchalian said.
He said Poe and Escudero were still running together.
Poe said she was not perfect but she would be doing what was right because she had fear in God.
Poe, the No. 1 senator in the last elections, said she decided to seek the presidency to give the people an alternative candidate.
She made the final push for her ‘‘Gobyernong may Puso’’ with a declaration to fight anyone who would thwart the will of the people or threaten democracy.
Poe tallied 90 days of campaigning around the country at the Plaza Miranda in Manila, where she officially kicked off her presidential bid on Feb. 9.
Partido Galing at Puso’s miting de avance was attended by celebrity supporters including superstar Nora Aunor, singer-composer Ogie Alcasid, Carmina Villaroel, Poe’s sister Lovi Poe, Heart Evangelista, wife of Poeís running mate Francis Escudero, singer Angeline Quinto, former child star Niño Muhlach, Epy Quizon and Ruby Rodriguez. Macon Ramos-Araneta
“I hope that in the coming six years, a good life for everyone and not fear will prevail. We will have a leader who will address our needs, a leader who will listen and give what is due to us,” Poe said.