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Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Angara to respect FPJ-Ping accord
MANILA -- Sen. Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), said discussions between Sen. Panfilo Lacson and movie actor Fernando Poe Jr. would not affect the decision of the United Opposition.
Angara said he would respect and support any agreement between the two presidential hopefuls, but the decision of the United Opposition on endorsing Poe as standard-bearer should stay.
"It won't affect the decision of the United Opposition. Our action is an internal measure that we must take to preserve the organization," Angara added.
Angara said the decision to name Poe, better known as FPJ, as presidential bet of the opposition will change if he will turn down the nomination of the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) or United Opposition.
But Angara is optimistic that Poe would not decline the nomination of the United Opposition because the movie actor is determined to run for president.
Lacson and Poe met last Friday and agreed to create a group to unite all members of the opposition, and that a fair selection process on the choice of standard-bearer of the opposition must be observed.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Loren Legarda disclosed Monday emissaries of Poe continue to invite her to become the vice presidential running mate of the popular movie actor.
However, Legarda refused to comment on whether she will choose to run for the vice presidential race or seek reelection to the Senate in next year's polls.
"I am still agonizing (to come up with a decision). Aside from considering the advice of my supporters and leaders, I have also take into consideration the opinion, interests and welfare of my family, especially my two young children," she said.
Legarda said she may announce her decision within 10 days.
Legarda, however, clarified the feelers for her to run as vice presidential candidate of Poe did not come from him personally.
Apart from Poe's camp, De Venecia also urged Legarda to be the vice presidential contender in the ruling Lakas.
She added that former senator Raul Roco and presidential aspirant Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson also gave her invitation to run under their respective parties.
Legarda said the people wooing her to be Poe's running mate claimed to be the movie actor's emissaries.
Both Legarda and Poe currently do not belong to any political party.
While he declared himself available for the presidency, Poe has not accepted nomination from any political party, even from the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP), which openly endorsed him.
Pressed to make known her preference of cabinet positions should she be elected vice president, Legarda named three Cabinet posts where she claimed can be more attuned to the needs of the Filipino people. They include the secretary of the Agriculture, Foreign Affairs and National Defense.
She advocated "regulating" without violating free trade principles of foreign trade in agricultural products in order to allow local farmers a fair deal in their home market.
Legarda also denounced smuggling of subsidized agricultural products, especially vegetables, as this deprives Filipino farmers of legitimate income from their livelihood.
Early birds
A handful of obscure, fringe candidates were the first to register Monday for the presidential elections next year.
None of the prominent candidates showed up when the 18-day registration period for candidates opened at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office here.
President Arroyo, who will be fighting for a fresh six-year mandate, is in Bahrain on a state visit.
Among those who filed their certificates of candidacy was Rigoberto Madera, who listed himself as "messiah", "six-star general" and "ace diamond commander-in-chief on Earth." He said he was sent by God to unite the people.
Another candidate, who identified himself as German Tupas Valladares, said he will be running under the slogan, "money for you, for me, for everyone."
A woman, using the name Salve Bush, also registered herself as representing the "united opposition."
Eddie Villanueva, who heads evangelist sect "Jesus is Lord Movement" which boasts of seven million members across the country, also announced he would seek the presidency, but has yet to file his candidacy.
The Philippines is possibly Asia's most vibrant democracy. Elections here attract its share of queer and obscure candidates who are often disqualified after strict screening process.
In Cebu, a re-electionist for the Provincial Board and a former congressman seeking a mayoral post were among the few who filed their certificates of candidacy.
Among those expected to give Arroyo a stiff challenge are Poe, ex-senator and former education secretary Raul Roco and Lacson.
Poe has been leading in recent surveys, spooking the business sector wary of his ability to run a country of 80 million people.
Poe is also a close friend of deposed president Joseph Estrada, himself a former actor who parlayed his popularity to win the 1998 polls. Estrada was ousted by a popular revolt in 2001 amid corruption allegations and he was replaced by Arroyo.
Evaluate
Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said the filing of a certificate of candidacy does not make one an official candidate.
"We would still evaluate if they are capable of launching full-scale campaigns," said Abalos.
The Comelec also announced that until Jan. 2, except on Christmas Day, they will be accepting certificates of candidacy from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Comelec's usual office hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During the last day, Comelec will be working overnight to accommodate would-be candidates.
National candidates are required to file their certificates at the Intramuros office, while local candidates may do so at their respective municipalities and cities.
Nearly half a million candidates are expected to file their certificates during the 18-day period.
The gun ban also started Monday midnight and ends June 9, 2004.
About 43 million registered voters are expected to vote in the May 10, 2004 polls. JPM with AFP/PNA
(December 16, 2003 issue)
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