The Grace Woes: Is she really qualified?

               Last Friday night, the Supreme Court released their decision on allowing presidential aspirant Grace Poe-Llamanzares to continue on as being a candidate in the 2016 Presidential Elections.

               The majority on what the decisions argued was in regards if Grace Poe is a Natural-born Filipino or not. Providing different statistical evidence during the year of her birth regarding the population of Filipinos and of Foreigners, and as well as the intention of the framers regarding the nationality of Foundlings. All of which was convincing, it really gave an in-depth consideration to what Grace Poe really is. However the issue of her residency was not well expounded or debated, but given all the circumstances and evidence provided, I could see that it has a fewer moment of being argued.

               Withstanding all the convincing evidence that the defending party presented, the procedural laws and doctrines given, and different precendents to justify the claims, I am still not convinced that she, Grace Poe, is qualified to run as president. This is not on the basis of supporting another political party, but rather on the basis of what the law clearly states.

               The defense party, as their answer, did not state what the Constitution says, they found comfort on the 1935 constitution and as well as the international laws. The 1935 Constitution is no longer our active Constitution, but rather the 1987 constitution, which is the Supreme law of the land which all other laws must conform to. As stated in Statutory Construction, if the law is clear there is no need to interpret it. Since what is stated in the present Constitution is that only Natural-born and not naturalized citizens and those who have resided in the Philippines in a period of ten (10) years before the day of the elections are the exclusive requirements for one to be voted as President. There is no other way to interpret this.

               I appreciated that the defense made us of the statistical evidence to prove Grace Poe is of Filipino decent, in which would be useful in the Reacquisition of citizenship (R.A. 9225) since it would restore ones previous Nationality as defined in the case. However, I am not convinced that even though there is a 99.89% chance or 1/667 ratio of her being born of Filipino decent. The reason being that, what other or further proof could state that she doesn’t belong in the 99.89% of Filipino decent or out of the 667 that she is the only one with alien parents. The case only stated statistical chances, and not a solid guarantee that the defendant is truly a natural born citizen of the Philippines. Furthermore, facial features are not a proper test in determining the nationality of a person. It may work on occasion, but certainly not reliable most of the time. Basis, there are several people who are of Filipino descents, but their facial features are those of Chinese descents or have been mistakenly presumed of different Nationality.

               Finally, I like that fact that Grace Poe and her Family is moving back in the country, and starting a new life. But I am not sure that her loyalty is with the country. If she can do that with America, What are the chances that she could do that here. Nonetheless, I shall give her the benefit of the doubt and to prove everyone wrong. Since there is nothing I can do to overrule the decision of the Supreme Court, I shall have to wait and see what the people will decide on Election day.