Poe not interested in attending opposition's proclamation

Action star Fernando Poe Jr has said he will not attend his proclamation by several members of the opposition tomorrow.

In an interview with Gulf News, his supporters said, "Poe has decided to evade his proclamation," hinting that the actor has refused to be confrontational with opposition Senator Panfilo Lacson who insisted he would not give up his bid for the presidency.

"He will not be around to accept his proclamation," said one supporter who refused to give more details on why Poe has turned shy again. "He wants the people to accept his proclamation," said the same supporter.

The camp of Senator Edgardo Angara in the Fight for Democratic Philippines (Laban or LDP) and several other opposition parties that formed a coalition called United Philippines, have decided to push for Poe's candidacy at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati.

"After his proclamation, we will wait for his official acceptance," said Congressman Mike Moreno, when the coalition learned about Poe's snobbery over his proclamation.

"The coalition has already decided to choose Poe prior to a selection process," said Moreno, adding that the group has also chosen Senators Loren Legarda and Aquilino Pimentel as Poe's vice presidential candidate.

In response, Lacson said, "I will not give up my planto run for the presidency."

Earlier, Lacson and his supporters were ousted from the Fight for Democratic Philippines (Laban or LDP), because of his informal proclamation as the opposition's presidential candidate last week. Poe and Lacson belong to the opposition. Their supporters in the opposition remained divided, resulting in a divided opposition.

Lacson claimed he is a better presidential candidate because of his attainment, stature, and experience. His popularity remained low, however. Poe has remained shy and reticent, but his popularity has soared since he declared his plan to run as president on November 27.

Lacson said he has organised retired military andpolicemen to guard the votes given to him.

Meanwhile, despite Poe's silence and seeming reluctance to run, his camp started campaigning for him.

Some 600 active and retired military and policeofficials threw their support behind Poe, his supporters said. "He is the symbol that can unite the country," said retired general Roberto Calinisan.