Roco wants FPJ for 2004

Resigned education secretary and former senator Raul Roco said he is open to the idea of having actor Fernando Poe Jr., known as the "king of Philippine action movies," as his vice presidential running mate in the 2004 elections.

"There is, of course, the possibility," Roco told reporters when asked about it.

Poe —better known to legions of fans as "FPJ" — is reportedly one of the three possible presidential bets that the opposition Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) is considering to field.

Roco cited surveys indicating that while he topped the list of the most popular presidential contenders, including President Arroyo, Poe ranked second.

However, he was quick to add that his decision would depend on the sentiment of his supporters who, he said, consist mostly youths and women.

"That must be decided especially by the young people and women who are giving us tremendous support. We must hear them and find out if they like the idea," he said.

Roco, who heads the Aksyon Demokratiko party of the administration Lakas coalition, minced no words about his intention to again seek, for the second time, the presidency in 2004.

He made a strong showing in the 1998 polls, placing third despite the lack of a political machinery.

Roco declined to comment on Poe’s qualifications.

Earlier, House Minority Leader Carlos Padilla said informal consultations among LDP party members revealed that Poe, Senators Edgardo Angara and Panfilo Lacson, were being considered as the LDP’s standard bearer in the presidential race.

There were earlier unconfirmed reports of a possible tandem between Poe and Ilocos Norte Gov. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

An angry Roco resigned in early August after Mrs. Arroyo endorsed an investigation by the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) into his alleged improprieties for using Department of Education funds to publish posters bearing his photograph.

Roco’s complaint was that Mrs. Arroyo lacked basic courtesy in informing him about the probe.

Despite Poe’s repeated denials of having presidential ambitions, rumors about him being wooed by the opposition to run for president refuse to go away.

Talk about Poe running for president first surfaced during Joseph Estrada’s 1998 inauguration when he stood by his best friend’s side during his oath-taking.

In an earlier interview, Speaker Jose de Venecia said Poe might win an election because of his movie star popularity and clean track record. But he "needs to prepare to become the president of the Philippines," he added.