- Vice President Jejomar Binay openly accused fellow presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe of not being a Filipino
- The statement was done during the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates at the University of the Philippines Visayas in Cebu
- Binay made the statement emphasizing that Poe took an oath to become an American citizen
CEBU, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay openly accused fellow presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe of not being a Filipino during the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates at the University of the Philippines Visayas in Cebu on Sunday.
“Hindi ka tunay na Pilipino kasi ikinahihiya mo. When you took your oath of allegiance for you to be naturalized as an American citizen, I abjure, kinahihiya ko ang pinanggalingan ko,” said Binay emphasizing that Poe took an oath to become an American citizen.
[“You are not true Filipino because you are ashamed of (your nationality). When you took your oath of allegiance for you to be naturalized as an American citizen, I abjure, you are ashamed of where you came from.”]
ABS-CBN News mentioned in their article published on March 20 that Poe defended herself and said that there are 10 million overseas Filipinos who wish to return to their own country but need to go abroad to get higher-paying jobs.
Poe answered Binay’s tirades by citing the Republic Act 9225 which gives overseas workers a dual citizenship. The senator explained that many Filipinos decide to live in other countries for a better opportunity but never lose their love for the country.
Poe pointed out that since Binay is an advocate for overseas Filipino workers, he should have understood this.
“Pinoprotektahan mo ang OFW, tapos sinasabi mo na ang isang tumira sa ibang bansa ay ‘di na pwedeng manilbihan?” Poe said.
[“You protects OFW, then you are claiming that those who live in other countries are not allowed to serve the country?”]
However, the vice president insisted that Poe is not an OFW.
“Mayor Binay, hindi lang po sa kulay yan. Nasa pagmamahal. Nandito ka nga sa bansa pero nangulimbat ka naman ng pera,” Poe answered.
[“Mayor Binay, it’s not only the color; it’s how you love (your country). You might be here in your own country but you are stealing.”]
The Vice President answered back; saying that Poe should not talk in a way as if he is already convicted of the crime.
“Kung makabintang ka ‘kala mo nahatulan na ako,” Binay said as quoted by Bandera in an article published on March 20.
[“The way you accuse me seems like I’m already convicted of a crime.”]
Poe said her statement without referring to anyone in particular, so when Binay reacted, the senator asked why he was being so defensive.
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