FPJ backers put up defense team vs criticism

Anticipating more political bombshells coming his way, action star Fernando Poe Jr. will form a media bureau to neutralize attacks from his rivals in the presidential race next year, his spokesman Sen. Vicente Sotto III said yesterday.

Sotto said they are expecting Poe’s rivals to revive some personal issues against the actor, including reports of his alleged rowdy behavior, "heavy drinking, womanizing and (having) illegitimate children."

"We are in the process of putting up a media group. We will be putting up a media bureau that hopefully will be able to handle all these (criticisms and attacks) without involving the candidate," he said.

Sotto pointed out the primary duty of the media bureau is to "insulate" Poe against all personal attacks and highlight the good points of the actor.

"With the kind of dirty-minded (tricks) that some people can (resort to), (although) not (by) our camp, it can (get) as dirty as anything," he said.

Sotto said the issue of Poe having illegitimate children "is an old tune."

Being in show business himself, Sotto said these issues are mere rumors being floated by Poe’s critics in the business and they have all been answered.

Sotto said all it takes is common sense to figure out that the rumors are untrue.

"Last night, we heard over the radio that FPJ (Poe) has been drinking for four days. Would you believe that there is such a person who could drink for four days without resting? Why is it not recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records?

"These are exaggerations because so far in the Guinness (records), only 36 hours was the longest time (recorded) that a person can drink," Sotto said.

Sotto said that Poe did not drink that much even during his younger years. "But definitely in his mature days (being 64 years old), it will never happen anymore."

Sotto said most of the political analysts that they have talked to had advised Poe not to answer the tirades and just let it pass.

Sotto claimed that some political advisers even reminded Poe that there are a number of people who remained neutral and open-minded. "They (Poe and his supporters) might have forgotten that there are some (still) undecided," he said.

Sotto defended Poe against Senate President Franklin Drilon who said the people should not vote for popular presidential bets.

"You know I am surprised how well educated people would not know how to handle social reactions or reactions of society. It amazed me," Sotto said.

The senator said Poe is the only presidential hopeful who has not employed "below the belt" tactics against his rivals.

He said criticisms against Poe will only boost the chances of the actor getting to Malacañang.

Sotto also defended Poe’s low ratings in the latest surveys.

He explained the Pulse Asia survey was conducted prior to Poe’s declaration to run.

He said the survey was conducted Nov. 4 to 7, several days before Poe declared his candidacy on Nov. 26.

"So his low rating is not surprising. As expected his prominence ... played a great role in the surveys," Sotto said.

He said Poe and his supporters remain unperturbed by the growing number of presidential wannabes, which now included Jesus is Lord (JIL) leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva.

‘Show Us Your Worth’

After Poe on Wednesday declared his run for the presidency, various political groups, including the business sector, collectively called on the actor to show his platform of government.

Poe’s bid has drawn invitations for him to present his programs that aim to solve the country’s problems.

Business groups claimed Poe is a virtual unknown to them since he has been an actor in his entire professional life.

The peso dived to an all-time low 55.85 against the dollar and share prices dropped nearly two percent a day after Poe, a high school dropout, announced he would challenge President Arroyo in next May’s elections.

Poe’s declaration triggered a cascade of pessimism in the financial market which has been anticipating the actor’s announcement of his candidacy.

Economic experts at the House of Representatives challenged Poe to come up with his list of economic managers and advisers to ease market worries about his candidacy.

Manila Rep. Jaime Lopez, chairman of the House committee on banking and financial intermediaries; Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier, vice chairman of the committee on ways and means, and Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles, chairman of the committee on housing and urban development, said Poe, just like any candidate, should show a ready platform by which to be gauged.– With Ann Corvera, Cet Dematera