Manila, Nov 26: Action film star Fernando Poe Jr., a close friend of ousted leader Joseph Estrada, officially announced his candidacy today for Philippine President in next May's election. A political newcomer, the highly popular actor said he was giving in to public pressure.

"Since last year, when I went around the Philippines, I saw what the people need and I saw the clamour, and I cannot turn my back," Poe told supporters and media at the Manila hotel. "Actually, it is not ambition, it is more serving the people and dedicating your life to them." He said he does not yet have a political party backing him.

Senate minority leader Vicente Sotto III, who helped convince Poe to run, said the opposition hopes to have a single candidate to increase its chances of beating President Gloria Macapagal and that Poe has agree to submit himself to the opposition's selection process.


Late last month, supporters of Poe - also known as FPJ and "Da King" - presented him with 2 million voters' signatures to convince him to run. He has so far ranked poorly in opinion polls on possible candidates, which his supporters say is due to his initial reluctance to run. His strength is among the urban poor, the same as Estrada, but businessmen and others worry that his lack of experience could hurt the country.

Bureau Report