Loren inclined to accept FPJ offer

Describing herself as in the "homestretch" of her consultations for the May 2004 polls, Sen. Loren Legarda told The STAR in an exclusive interview Friday night that she was inclined to accept the offer of opposition presidential bet Fernando Poe Jr. to be his running mate.

"He (Poe) will be a unifying leader who can use his charisma to inspire the nation. We’ve been so wounded and politically divided," she said.

Legarda, who left the administration Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party in October reportedly over differences in policy, said she has also received offers from opposition candidates Raul Roco and Panfilo Lacson to be their running mate.

"Each has his own strength and following," she said.

But she indicated that she favors being Poe’s running mate, because he has the "X-factor" needed to lead the nation.

Legarda, 43, said the X-factor is needed to "generate inspiration and a following from people."

"There’s a lot of people with qualifications to run the country, but will people listen to and follow them at this time?" she added.

Legarda admitted that some quarters were trying to dissuade her from teaming up with Poe, a movie star with an untarnished name but with no experience in government service.

But Legarda, who topped the senatorial race in 1998, said Poe’s lack of experience in governance could be made up for by "his known administrative abilities in running a business in a highly competitive field." She was referring to Poe’s successful management of his film outfit FPJ Productions, among other projects in show business.

Legarda, however, said she and Poe have yet to formally meet to forge their political union, adding she will make the formal announcement in three weeks’ time.

Legarda said that the first three questions she would ask of Poe when they meet to finalize their tandem for 2004 are: "What made you decide to run for president? What is your economic reform agenda? How can I help you?"

And what will she be looking for in Poe?

"Vision, leadership and compassion for the downtrodden," she added.

Asked what she can contribute to a Poe presidency, Legarda said, "I will be giving compassion to leadership."

She cited her personal knowledge of and keen awareness of the plight of the poor, saying "I’ve been to every nook and cranny of the country in the past 25 years."

Legarda was a multi-awarded broadcast journalist before she was drafted by then President Fidel Ramos and Speaker Jose de Venecia into the administration Lakas-NUCD senatorial slate in 1998.

Before that, she said, a life in politics "was not even a dream."

Asked what kind of vice president she intends to be if she is elected, Loren said, "I don’t think I could ever be a spare tire."

"I’m always dynamic and I will find something to do. And during these crucial times, a president should make his or her vice president work hard and put the latter’s talents to good use," she said.