I AM a British national married to a Filipino citizen and, therefore, an outsider but sympathetic to the Philippines and its causes, and I am looking with an interested eye into Grace Poe’s “disqualification saga.” I totally agree with “Brion’s view: Poe an illegal alien, must be deported” (Letters, 12/7/15). But one major aspect of the saga confuses me and another disappoints me.
My confusion: Is the “case against” Senator Poe anchored on the allegation that she is not a natural-born Filipino, or is it on the allegation that she does not meet the residency rule? If the latter, surely that is a pretty objective matter of fact. If the former, then I share the view that, she being a foundling in the Philippines, the overwhelming likelihood is that not only is the Philippines her country of birth but that her biological mother is/was a Filipino citizen. Who knows about her father? But that should not be held against her and she should not be discriminated against because of her foundling status.
My disappointment: Senator Poe may now have a silver spoon, but she certainly was not born with one. The Philippines is a country where so many disadvantaged people have shown their resilience and noble spirit. The pro-disqualification arguments that she is not a natural-born Filipino show a churlish, mean-spirited attitude which is out of step with the Filipino reality, experience and generosity of character.
—ALISTAIR DEY, Buhangin, Davao City