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Thursday, November 27, 2003
Local officials cool on FPJ presidential bid
By Lizanilla J. Amarga. Yuri Locsin
MISAMIS Oriental Gov. Antonio Calingin Wednesday announced he is withdrawing his declaration of support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and instead will support popular actor Fernando Poe, Jr. for the 2004 presidential elections.
This came about as movie icon Poe, an ally of deposed president Joseph Estrada, announced Wednesday in a jampacked press conference held in Manila that he will definitely run for president in the elections next May.
Calingin Wednesday told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that he is withdrawing his support for Arroyo after the latter issued a 60-day preventive suspension order which to him was "without proper basis."
"Wala na ako magsuporta ni President Arroyo tungod sa iya pag-issue ug suspension order kanako nga wala gayud kabasihanan...akong supportahan si FPJ (Poe) na (I wouldn't support President Arroyo because of her issuance of a suspension order on me without basis...I will support FPJ)," he said Wednesday.
The governor said he is also "happy and excited" that Poe is running, for if the actor wins he will be "best for the peace and development of Mindanao."
Calingin said this as Poe is close to the Muslim community and could inspire them to finally join hands with their brother Filipinos here in Mindanao.
"Humot kaayo siya sa atong mga Muslim diri I think he has stronger chances of consolidating them with all of us here in Mindanao," he said.
Inexperienced
Calingin's son, Rocky said he believes that Poe can "inspire" people to unite together like no other presidents can possibly do.
He said the country had several "very qualified" presidents in the past but has not done anything remarkable for the country.
With regards to Poe's qualification, the younger Calingin said no one can still really determine for sure what the actor can and cannot do.
He also hailed Poe for not having been tainted "with scandal" in the showbiz world and his handling of his family affairs.
In a telephone interview Cagayan de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano said he was a bit surprised at the actor's announcement but added that he has every right to run for the presidency.
He also reiterated his support for President Arroyo, a position echoed by Acting Gov. Miguel de Jesus.
Jesus told dxIF Bombo Radyo in an interview that it's difficult for Filipinos to place their faith to somebody who is inexperienced in governance and politics.
"Pero ato kining hatagan og higayon (Let us give him a chance). But I am affirming my support for President Arroyo," de Jesus said.
Chaos
Later Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos, daughter of former President Ferdinand Marcos, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro in a text message that Fernando Poe Jr.'s declaration can be likened to the "declaration of a new Philippine President."
She said the widespread support of the people would become the springboard which would propel Poe into success in his "administration."
Marcos also called on the people to rally behind Poe to strengthen the country. "Ito'y ang tunay na reconciliation! (This is true reconciliation)," she said.
The Ilocos Norte lawmaker said the chaos that pervaded the administration of President Arroyo won't be experienced once Poe assumes the presidency.
"Madaling malulutas ang mga problema na kinakaharap ng kasalukuyang pamahalaan sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Poe (The problems faced by the current dispensation would be easily resolved under the Poe administration)," Marcos added.
Meanwhile Poe, popularly known as "FPJ," told a packed crowd of supporters and newsmen that "there comes a time when a man faces the hardest decision of his life and this time has come to me now."
He would face incumbent President Gloria Arroyo, who has said she would defend her post.
Sincere
Poe, 64, commands a huge following across the Philippines, where he is considered the local version of Hollywood hero John Wayne.
He is consistently one of the top five preferred candidates cited in recent national surveys and is popular among the poorest classes of society, which account for four out of 10 Filipinos.
Among others who have said they would run are former senator and ex-education secretary Raul Roco and former national police chief and opposition senator Panfilo Lacson.
A high-school drop-out who has never held public office, Poe
conceded that his qualifications were "not much compared to others but I would like to be given a chance.
"I'm sincere and dedicated and I love my country," he said as his fans chanted, "FPJ, the president."
Poe said that in due time, he would present a "platform of government and I will introduce to you, my economic team."
The movie hero, flanked by his wife, said that gaining the presidency was "not an ambition but more of serving with my life."
Poe conceded that he did not have a political party and would likely have to go through the selection process of the main opposition party, but he added "if they will adopt me, why not?"
He started out in the movies with close friend Estrada, who rose from being a town mayor to president in the 1998 elections.
Estrada was deposed by a popular revolt in 2001 amid charges of massive corruption. He is now in detention while being tried. With Yuri Locsin and AFP
(November 27, 2003 issue)
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