Anti-FPJ e-mails flood cyberspace

TARLAC CITY — It’s like the anti-Erap movement all over again in the World Wide Web.

This time, however, the campaign is not aimed to oust, but rather to prevent another actor from occupying Malacañang — Fernando Poe Jr., known as "The King of Philippine Movies" and a bosom friend of jailed former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada.

It was shortly after Poe, also dubbed "Da King," declared last Wednesday that he, indeed, intends to seek the presidency when the Internet was swept by what could be aptly called as the "anti-FPJ hysteria."

Open E-Letter

An "open e-letter" now clogs electronic mailboxes, urging Poe to take back his Nov. 26 declaration.

"We need as many people as possible to bombard FPJ’s mailbox," says the anonymous writer of the letter. "Forward this letter to everyone you know via e-mail or fax."

Even postal or "snail" mail is being encouraged by the author, who says, "The cost of the postage stamp and the little work this entails may help put a stop to our politics of popularity and replace it with a politics of programs."

"Fernando Poe Jr. is a good man, but he is not prepared to be president," the author adds.

The letter has exactly 644 words contained in 11 paragraphs.

Addressing the action star, its author says, "If you love your country, we urge you, please reconsider this decision (to run for president)."

Recognizing Poe’s "tremendous popularity," the author admits that "you will win (in the 2004 elections)," but adds, "Winning will be effortless. Governing, on the other hand, will not be an easy task."

Popularity, "esteem and admiration" and Poe’s supposed "promise of hope," the e-letter’s writer says, are "not enough" to address the various problems besetting the country.

"At this moment in our history, we need a leader who can gain the confidence, respect and trust of the international community. This is paramount," the author further says.

"It is not too late to reconsider... Should your administration fail, it is you, not they, who will pay the price... Let the Filipino people remember you as the man who could have been president but chose not to... because he truly loved his country. We are certain history will judge you not only as a reel hero, but as a real hero," the author adds.

Satirical Rejoinder

Already, there is a rejoinder to the open letter that is now also circulating in the wilds of cyberspace. Claiming to be behind the rejoinder, written in Filipino, is the Alyansa ng Pitong Gatang or APoG.

"Si FPJ ay mayroong napakalawak na karanasan tungkol sa mga isyu na kasalukuyang pinagdaraanan ng ating bansa (FPJ has extensive experience regarding the issues now besetting our country)," says APoG.

But reading further, the justifications on Poe’s "experience" in dealing with real-life issues were sardonic — it cited the roles he played in the movies.

On dispensing justice, APoG cites Poe’s film Kapag Puno na ang Salop, saying, "Pag naging pangulo si FPJ, maraming mamamatay na huwes (If FPJ becomes president, a lot of judges will die)."

On poverty, it offered the actor’s role in Asedillo, where Poe, like Estrada, was pictured as a modern-day Robin Hood. "Kumukuha siya sa mayayaman tapos binibigay sa mahihirap (He steals from the rich then gives to the poor)."

The movie Batas ng Lansangan was supposed to be Poe’s "experience" in fighting kidnapping and illegal drugs, while Lagot ka sa Tatay Ko, where he starred with teen idol Judy Ann Santos, purportedly showed that he knows the sufferings of workers.

"Ang kanyang hirap at pagtitiyaga ay kapansin-pansin sa malimit na pagpapawis ng kanyang kili-kili sa pelikulang ito (His hardships and hard work were noticeable in this film because his armpits were always perspiring)," the rejoinder states.

APoG says that Poe also has "political experience," citing his role as barangay captain in another film, Dito sa Pitong Gatang, where the actor fought illegal gambling.

At one time, too, it adds, Poe has "experience" in law enforcement in the movie Eseng ng Tondo, where he played the role of a policeman before becoming a director of the National Bureau of Investigation.

Finally, APoG says Poe is also into sports, as shown in the film Pakners, where he starred with billiards hero Efren "Bata" Reyes.