FPJ: Only 1 opposition presidential candidate

STA. ROSA, Laguna — Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) standard-bearer Fernando Poe Jr. declared yesterday that there should be only one presidential candidate for a united opposition in the May 10 elections.

"Isa lang ang dapat tumakbo sa oposisyon, kailangan ng united opposition (Only one should run as opposition presidential candidate, we need a united opposition)," Poe said.

"Mas malakas kung isa lang ang oposisyon, kailangan ng isang solid opposition (We will be stronger if the opposition has only one, we need a solid opposition)," he added.

Poe made the declaration as he confirmed of his unification talks with independent presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson tomorrow. "It’s (talks with Lacson) confirmed on Monday," he told reporters here.

Poe, however, stressed the meeting was arranged beforehand even as it coincided with the birthday of his bosom buddy, deposed President Joseph Estrada.

Poe repeatedly stressed he would not slide down in favor of Lacson even just to unite the opposition.

President Arroyo, on the other hand, declared a merger between Poe and Lacson should not only benefit the feuding opposition parties but the entire nation.

In formally unveiling her program for a "government of national unity," President Arroyo said she will jumpstart the reconciliation process of healing by extending the hand of unity with her political enemies and the opposition right after the May 10 elections.

"I also aim to unify the nation and the opposition as part of my plan," Mrs. Arroyo said during the 113th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Bar Association (PBA).

"In my mind, this campaign is about unifying the whole nation and not simply about unifying the opposition or the administration," Mrs. Arroyo said.

Although she did not specifically mentioned Poe and Lacson, Mrs. Arroyo alluded to the two presidential candidates in their reunification talks.

"I look forward to the unification of the opposition because this will limit the contest to two camps," Mrs. Arroyo declared.

She said the reunification between Poe and Lacson will "sharpen the contrast between the two protagonists: an administration that has engaged in a civilized, decent and platform-based campaign, and an opposition that has largely spewed negativism, mudslinging, harangues and threats."

‘We Will All Be Together’

At a rally held later by the KNP in the capital town of Sta. Cruz, opposition leaders read aloud a letter from former President Estrada urging the people to support Poe and the entire opposition ticket.

"From my detention cell here in Camp Capinpin (Tanay, Rizal), I extend my warmest and sincerest greetings to my beloved people in Laguna," Estrada said.

"This is our chance to correct the wrongs of the past. I therefore ask our people to vote into office the entire ticket of the KNP led by my friend, Fernando Poe, Jr. and (Senator) Loren Legarda, and the 12 senatorial opposition candidates," said Estrada in Filipino.

Estrada urged the people to "oust" the Arroyo administration and "restore power to the Filipino masses," who he claimed were deprived of their sovereign rights after being forced out of office three years ago.

"You deliver verdict against this illegal regime that seized power and ousted me by your solid support for the opposition ticket," he said.

Estrada regretted for being unable to personally campaign for Poe since he remains under detention at Camp Capinpin while facing plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan.

Without mentioning Lacson, Estrada earlier said other presidential aspirants should give way and support Poe for the sake of unity.

Estrada had said the reported unification efforts of Poe and Lacson will not bear fruit unless one of them gives way to unite the opposition.

With Mrs. Arroyo as the lone candidate at the other side of the fence, Estrada said "the goal of defeating the incumbent leader armed with a mighty party machinery cannot be attained" if the opposition continues to be divided.

Estrada had said several presidential candidates as against a lone candidate from the administration is not a good sign for the opposition in terms of votes.

KNP leaders pointed out Lacson is not doing any good in the ratings as compared to Poe. They said it is logical that the movie star should be the united opposition’s standard bearer and all others, including Lacson, must give way and support Poe.

KNP vice presidential candidate Sen. Loren Legarda said efforts to unify the opposition is not meant to prop up Poe’s sagging campaign.

Legarda insisted Poe and the rest of the KNP senatorial slate are "already leading" in the surveys.

Asked whether Poe can win without having to merge with Lacson’s forces, Legarda said: "The actions and response (of the people) is warm to say the least."

"I think we have a winner here but of course it would be better (if we get Lacson) because politics is addition," she said. "I know that in the end, we will all be together," she said.

Legarda expressed confidence she would not be dumped in favor of Lacson.

She, however, promised to respect any agreement that will come up between Poe and Lacson.

"Ito ang samahang walang iwanan (This is an all-for-one, one-for-all group)," Legarda said.

"Siguro si FPJ (Poe’s initials) ang dapat tanungin diyan pero mataas ang kumpiyansa sa aking presidente (Maybe you should ask FPJ about this but I have much confidence in my president) and I will support whatever is the result of the unity talks which I strongly respect and support," she said.

Legarda said Poe will never renege on his word and retain her as his running mate even if the unification of the KNP and Lacson’s camp succeeds.

Legarda said Lacson and Poe have a common advocacy of good governance as she expressed optimism that the unification will push through.

"So there’s no need to quarrel and we should unite so we (can) slay the dragon," she said.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye, on the other hand, said Mrs. Arroyo is unmindful of the unification talks between Poe and Lacson.

Bunye, conceded, however that Mrs. Arroyo is keeping track of the developments but focusing on reports that some from the opposition were not keen in uniting the two presidential candidates.

He said some from the opposition are in fact, heeding the call of the President for a "government of national unity."

"There are some bright lights in the opposition but they are not allowed to shine," Bunye said without particularly identifying the opposition figures.

Mrs. Arroyo said she will welcome any effort from the opposition to join the unity government.

"They are welcome to the national unification efforts that will consolidate the nation behind the fight for change for the average Filipinos," she said.

Mrs. Arroyo made the offer during her PBA speech late Friday and promised to invite "the best and the brightest and most honest" from the political opposition to serve in a high position in the government of national unity if she is given the mandate of six-year term. -With Marichu Villanueva