Poe: Current administration has 'weak' DILG
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Sen. Grace Poe on Wednesday (April 13) took a swipe at the current administration for overlooking its drive against prohibited drugs and criminality.
During a luncheon with members of the digital media, Poe admitted she wants swift justice — but with a "credible" system. Poe said drug syndicates could have been pacified, if only the incumbent government has been more efficient and has shown more efforts towards ending crime and drug use and abuse.
Poe fears that the government — and Filipinos — are now resorting to the "extreme" means to end crime.
"Patayin na lahat 'yan... Pero, 'di ba ang sabi natin patayin natin ang gutom hindi 'yung nagugutom?" said Poe.
[Translation: Kill them all... But, didn't we say that it is hunger that must be ceased and not the hungry?]
"'Yung mga nagtutulak ng droga sila naman 'yung pinakamababa sa pyramid chain. 'Yung mga mismong drug pushers, mga bosses, nandiyan sila sa pinakamataas na 'di naman sila nagagalaw."
[Translation: Drug pushers are at the bottom of the pyramid chain. But the main drug pusher, the bosses, are at the top where they are untouchable.]
Although Poe favors the revival of death penalty in the country, the lawmaker insisted the issue of drugs should still be studied and must sit well with the Philippine judicial system.
"I don't want to mislead the public and say three to six months will be enough because, whether we like it or not, we have to work through our judicial system," said Poe.
If she nabs the presidency, Poe vowed to appoint an "incorruptible" and "capable" Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and to establish a "war room" in Malacañang dedicated to combat crime and drugs.
Poe added she will implement an "audited" cash reward system for every barangay that can successfully cut the number of crimes every six months and every year. Her intelligence funds as president will also be converted as reward funds for those who will be able to accurately tip authorities to drug dens.
"Instead na sumbungan tapos mali pala. Magkamali tayo, na-execute na. Ito pera lang — bawiin ko kung mali ka," said Poe.
[Translation: Instead of telling on each other, then it turns out wrong. If we were mistaken, he or she could have been executed already. With this, it's just money — I can take it back if you're wrong.]
'Wary' of surveys
Meanwhile, with less than a month before the elections, Poe admitted she is always on her toes when surveys are on the line.
"From day one, I've always been very wary of surveys," said Poe. "I've never considered myself a frontrunner, not even when the survey says so."
Poe and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte were statistically tied in the previous Pulse Asia poll, while a recent presidential survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed Poe statistically tied on the second spot with Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Interior Sec. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II.
But Poe said the survey is just one factor, as resources, political machinery, stamina, and money are also contributing factors to the success of a candidate.
The lawmaker is all set to boost her campaign, while she assured that, even at this point, she is ready to accept the results of the 2016 elections.
"Win or lose, it is a privilege to be considered as one of those who can probably help this country," Poe said.
"Right or wrong — in my mind — whether or not I feel a candidate is the right candidate or not (sic), once the people have spoken, I will respect that."
