FPJ to use MTV to convey platform

LEGAZPI CITY — To fend off criticisms that his platform remains a mystery, Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) standard-bearer Fernando Poe Jr. said he will be airing music videos or MTV as he chided President Arroyo for insisting that he face her and other presidential rivals in a debate.

In an interview, Poe said the MTVs, which will include his running mate Sen. Loren Legarda in some episodes, will be aired nationwide. An audio version will be dubbed for broadcast over radio.

He said the video clips will be from 30 to 60 seconds long, "but you will see the core, the main point that will show you that (my) platform is for the people, not for selfish ends, and for us to unite."

Poe’s campaign manager, Sen. Vicente Sotto III, said the videos will be produced by Tony Tuviera, the executive producer of Television and Productions Exponents Inc. TAPE produces the noontime show "Eat Bulaga," where the senator was once a mainstay, and which is directed by Jun Urbano, better known to televiewers as Mr. Shoo-li of the defunct sitcom "Mongolian Barbecue."

Besides being divisive, debates only promote politicking, which the country can ill afford amid other, more pressing problems, Poe said.

Earlier, the President and independent presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson said they would not participate in debates if Poe begs off.

Later, Mrs. Arroyo expressed willingness to face Poe on his terms by agreeing to participate in a presidential debate in the slums.

The KNP standard-bearer began his campaign sortie on Friday by leading a motorcade around Quezon province. He arrived here yesterday to begin a campaign sortie that also features the entire KNP senatorial slate.

The KNP candidates will visit the towns of Tabaco, Sto. Domingo and Daraga and Ligao City in Albay. Poe is scheduled to visit Sorsogon City, the bailiwick of KNP senatorial candidate Salvador Escudero. Sorsogon Rep. Francis Escudero will host him.

Poe is also expected to proceed aboard a helicopter to Virac, Catanduanes, where he will lead a rally after resting at the residence of KNP senatorial bet Francisco Tatad.

Having a popular movie icon as standard-bearer is saving the opposition coalition, KNP spokesman and former Negros Oriental congressman Miguel Romero said.

Romero said people would show up by the thousands at the group’s rallies just to see Poe. And they weren’t expecting payment the way the "hakot (paid)" crowds of other politicians do at a political rally.

"We don’t have to rent dozens of (vehicles) where leaders of each barangay would ride," Romero said. "There are no allowances, pakain (free meals)."

The money the KNP does receive are used instead for the candidates other expenses, such as plane fare and helicopter rental fees, he said.

He added that actor Rez Cortez is the overall coordinator of 47 pro-Poe groups nationwide. These groups are actually doing the groundwork for the KNP’s provincial sorties, Romero added, saying "it’s a fantastic kind of election!"

These groups include the Fernando Poe Jr. for President Movement (FPJPM), Mga Artista Para Kay FPJ, Veterans for FPJ, Batang Panday and the Association of Retired Generals for Poe, he said.

The KNP twitted the campaign of Mrs. Arroyo, alleging that very few people would show up at her provincial sorties. — With Nikko Dizon