JEDDAH, 10 April 2004 — Saying that the Philippines badly needs a non-”trapo” (traditional politician) for a leader, Filipino Muslims here have banded to campaign for action movie “king” Fernando Poe Jr, or FPJ.
“FPJ is incorruptible. We have a feeling that given the mandate, he can do good for our country,” said Edriss Tamano, one of the leaders of the group called Council for FPJ for President Movement.
Launched on Thursday at the Tropicana Resturant on Thalia St., the group is under the auspices of the Philippine-based Muslim FPJ Movement, its leaders said.
Elected as officers of the group were Ibrahim Mangotara, president; Danni Tiongson, vice president; Saibatol Dalos, secretary-general; Joe Villanueva, treasurer; Mike Randa, general coordinator; Abdul Nasser Calimba, assistant coordinator; and Tamano as adviser.
Mangotara defended Poe from criticisms that he was ill-prepared to lead a chaotic nation of more than 84 million people. “Arroyo has done little to improve the lot of ordinary Filipinos and to address pressing concerns, particularly the never-ending trouble in Mindanao. That’s why we need someone like FPJ whose experience is short but has a heart to govern,” said Mangotara.
He was referring to incumbent President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is neck-and-neck with Poe in the latest opinion poll surveys in Manila.
One of the concerns raised during the launching of the Muslim group supporting Poe was how their candidate could represent the country in the international arena when he himself cannot participate in a debate. Poe has refused to join invitations to a debate, giving Arroyo a convenient excuse to evade her critics.
But Saibatol Dalos, the FPJ group’s secretary-general, said it does not matter because what they believe is that FPJ is a man of action. “He doesn’t want to follow the traditional politicians who talk more but work less,” he said.
Edith Viovicente, an avid fan of FPJ and vice president of Davao Kalagan Cooperative, said: “FPJ being a popular movie actor is also known for being great director. If he can direct a good and well-applauded movie, then obviously he can direct our country.”
