Poe takes campaign to vote-rich Batangas

San Juan, Batangas (CNN Philippines) — Fresh from clinching a major endorsement from her father’s close friend, former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada, independent presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe took her campaign to vote-rich Batangas on Tuesday (March 29).

The local chapter of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) hosted Poe’s rally in San Juan. The senator is also expected to visit Rosario town where another rally will be held.

Batangas is the country's 7th most vote-rich province with about 1.5 million voters.

This is the home province of re-electionist Sen. Ralph Recto, who is also part of Poe’s Partido Galing at Puso slate despite being a member of the Liberal Party (LP).

It remains to be seen, however, whether Poe would get the support of Recto's wife, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos — also an LP member.

Before the governor entered politics, she was a famous movie star who also happened to be a good friend of Poe’s late father, Fernando Poe Jr (FPJ).

Poe’s running mate, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero did not come with Poe in Batangas.

According to some insiders from Poe’s camp, Escudero has a separate sortie in Bataan.

Also read: Estrada endorses Poe for president, Marcos for VP