Philippines' Grace Poe returns to roots as cloud hangs over presidential bid

Former Senator Grace Poe, one of the four contenders in 2016 presidential elections speaks during a business forum in Pasay city, Metro Manila October 27, 2015. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

KALIBO, Philippines (Reuters) - Philippines Senator Grace Poe returned this week to the rustic island where she was abandoned as an infant, forging ahead with her presidential campaign under a cloud of controversy as she struggles to prove she has Filipino blood.

Poe flew into Kalibo, one of the main towns on the island of Panay, for a whirlwind tour on Tuesday, posing for selfies with excited fans, meeting the local bishop and doing radio interviews to reach a wider rural audience.