CEBU – Senator Grace Poe expounded on her stand on the reinstatement of death penalty and legalization of divorce in the country, after the neophyte senator failed to clarify her stand on the two divisive issues during a brief segment on Sunday's second presidential debate.

During the ''Taas-Kamay'' segment of the debate, Poe, along with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, raised their hands when asked if they were in favor of the death penalty.

Poe raised her hand to show she agrees with the reinstatement of death penalty. However, she had to clarify that she only favors death penalty for convicts of heinous crimes.

This prompted TV5 news chief Luchi Cruz Valdez to cut her off as the debate rules state that a candidate can only raise a hand and not issue an explanation.

"Kailangan magkaroon ng mas istriktong paraan, para sa mga heinous crimes, sa mga drug pushers, at para doon sa mga paulit-ulit na gumagawa ng multiple crimes-doon lamang," Poe said.

She also clarified that before this happens, the justice system in the country must be improved first.

"Aayusin muna natin ang sistema ng hustisya para naman ang mahihirap ay hindi biktima dahil kulang ang kanilang representasyon. Dadagdagan natin ang budget ng Public Attorney's Office at lalagyan natin ng magagaling na abugado para ang mahihirap kayang depensahan ang sarili," Poe said.

In an interview with Radio dzMM's ''Ikaw Na Ba? Para sa Pamilyang Pilipino'', Poe expressed reservations over the reinstatement of the capital punishment, saying the justice system must be improved first.

DIVORCE

Poe also clarified her stand on divorce.

During the debate, Poe and all her fellow candidates did not raise their hands when asked if they agree with the legalization of divorce.

Poe said she favors making the annulment process more affordable for Filipino couples.

READ: How much does annulment cost?

"Malinaw naman 'yung stand ko noon, na kailangan sa ating bansa ay maging affordable at within reach ang annulment. Kasi sa annulment na 'yon, meron na silang mga guidelines kung saan dapat talaga kahit mahirap ka, kahit hindi ka-kahit na wala kang magaling na abogado, e kailangan kung ikaw ay inaabuso, ay sapat na 'yon; at puwede naman talagang mangyari 'yon,'' she said.

''Ang mahirap kasi sa divorce, lalo na ang 'no-fault divorce', 'yung para bang 'ayoko na sa iyo so bahala ka na sa buhay mo.' Siguro sa ating bansa kailangan muna natin palakasin ang annulment, at 'yon naman talaga 'yung stand ko noon pa."