Poe and Legarda fight criticism

Action star Fernando Poe Jr and senator Loren Legarda, who are the presidential and vice presidential candidates of one faction of the opposition, said they would rather ride high or sing to the tune of their critics, following a strong demolition campaign hurled at them recently.

Poe and Legarda have been quietly campaigning by performing the usual "song and dance" during political meetings with several candidates of the opposition where they also made comments on criticism aired against them, a common fare during elections in the Philippines.

Poe knew that immorality issue such as having children out of wedlock would provoke a domino effect on his capability as president of the land, the reason why he candidly spoke about one love child named Ronian, "to test its effect on the people," said one insider.

True enough, after Poe's admission, several groups, including influential leaders of women's groups, said Poe's admission would bolster his popularity.

Many of Poe's detractors centred on his weaknesses which they believe could sway voters to change their mind about voting for him.

Poe's critics have called him inept, without substance, quiet but not deep, and mysterious to a fault because he could not clarify his stand on many important issues that affect the country.

It is a sign that he is dependent on his popularity more than his capability to govern if and when elected to the presidency on May 10, said one detractor.

"He is so new, so raw, and so lost," said former Senator Miriam Santiago, known for her eloquent and biting sarcasm who recently defected from Poe's camp and is now a presidential candidate of President Gloria Arroyo. "He is fond of making his campaign an entertainment fare," said another critic.

The Makati Business Club has reiterated its dismay over Poe. He does not know anything about economics. Up to now, he could not say anything about his platform of government, some MBC members said.

Poe remained dodging the issues raised against him. And his acceptance of having a love child was a coup d'etat in publicity because he had hugged the headlines again. Poe's running mate, Legarda, tried to turn the table against her opponent, Lakas ruling party's vice presidential candidate Noli de Castro, an elected senator and also a broadcast journalist, like her.

Loren called him "without brains," but instead of capitalising on that, she explained, "I wanted to say that candidates should have substance, too." In a sense, she has implicated Poe, whose alleged lack of substance has been his bane, to the delight of many intelligent and urbane critics.