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Friday, November 28, 2003
FPJ should present clear platform of gov't: dads
By Aurea A. Gerundio and Ben O. Tesiorna
FOLLOWING the announcement of movie actor Fernando Poe Jr. to run for president in the 2004 elections, Davao City councilors expressed willingness to give the aging actor a chance, but demanded that he presents a clear platform of government.
City Tourism Officer Id Acaylar, however, was more resolute about his stand, saying he will have second thoughts about claiming he's a Filipino if Poe becomes the president of the Republic.
"I'll be ashamed if he becomes president). I'll be having second thoughts of my being a Filipino. This will just prove that they (Filipinos) are not worth dying for," he said.
Acaylar said he will never vote for the actor, saying FPJ does not have what it takes to be a president.
"Running a country requires a lot of knowledge and an understanding on governance. It is very dangerous to rely so much on your advisers. Unless you know the ramification of the demands of that kind of position, would you be able to deliver?" he asked.
But City councilors did not question Poe's presidential bid, saying he met the requirements as prescribed by the Constitution for those who seek elective posts.
"He has the right to aim for the post under the Constitution. But, he owes it to the nation to declare his true intentions. What is his platform? What difference would he make that would help our countrymen? If he gives good answers to that, then he would have more than just his popularity to offer," Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta said.
Acosta said the presidency is a tough job.
Councilor Teresita Mata-Mara1ņon echoed similar sentiment, saying the people have to respect Poe's decision as he is not prohibited to run for any position under the Constitution.
"I do not want to prejudge him just because he lacks education and political experience. There may still be something in him that people can bank on like his character, one who is believed to be possessed with the highest degree of morality," Maraņon said.
"We just hope and pray that if he wins, he will choose the right advisers and should not allow himself to be abused or eaten up by the system. Otherwise, he will not only be a mistake but a disaster," she added.
Councilor Peter Laviņa said it is Poe's right to run. "But the question is, will he be the opposition bet and will the people vote for him also?"
"It is vital that we vote for platform not personalities," Laviņa said.
(November 28, 2003 issue)
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