UST students reject FPJ for 2004

It may not be in the bag after all for king of Philippine movies Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) if he decides to run for president in 2004.

A group of political science students in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) thumbed down yesterday any "FPJ for President" scenario in 2004 and instead pushed for a non-personality based politics in the country.

The Political Science Forum (PSF), an organization of about 300 UST political science students, clarified that they are not against showbiz personalities entering politics per se, but that actors should not capitalize on their popularity.

"We want people who are competent to lead our country. Those who are dedicated in serving the Filipino people and not using their popularity to be elected," said PSF president Marlon Lapuz.

The power of the silver screen, among other people-friendly entertainment forms, has long been a tool for many candidates to win elections.

The most popular of this breed of actor-politicians was former President Joseph Estrada, who won by a landslide in 1998 over a field of nine other candidates.

But barely three years into office, Estrada was unceremoniously booted out of power during a peaceful revolt in January 2001 amid corruption allegations and an aborted impeachment trial.

FPJ, a close buddy of Estrada, has since been bruited about by the opposition as its possible standard bearer in the 2004 presidential elections.

Should this take place, FPJ is expected to trounce any political rival, including President Arroyo, because of his popularity. Not for nothing is he known as the king of Philippine movies, analysts and drumbeaters said.

Lapuz said that actors who have an ambition of seeking public office should start with a low electoral position to prove their worth.

"On a personal note, I believe that they should first show what they can do for their country. What’s happening now is that people get elected because of popularity," he added.

PSF is spearheading a "National Students’ Consultation on Constitutional Reforms and National Development" in UST on Sept. 20-21 to discuss loopholes in the Philippine Constitution.

Lapuz said that some 300 student-delegates from various universities nationwide would be participating in the conference.

"We initially envisioned this conference to be for UST students only. But when students from other schools heard about it, they expressed their intention to participate," he said.

Under the plan, participants will come up with a common stand on how the Constitution should be changed.

"We hope to come up with a resolution that will be submitted to Malacañang, the Senate and House of Representatives. It’s about time for the students to be heard by our officials," Lapuz maintained.– Sheila Crisostomo