3 more groups join Flavier bandwagon

Three groups plan to urge Sen. Juan Flavier to run for president in the 2004 elections, with one group believing he can cure the economic and political ills plaguing the country.

Flavier for President Movement (FFPM) secretary general and spokesman Francisco JC Reyes Sr. said they will officially declare their appeal to Flavier at a press conference next week.

Two other groups, one led by lawyer Raul Lambino and the other a homeowners’ association, also expressed desire to spearhead the campaign to field Flavier as their presidential candidate.

Lambino’s group will announce their own FFPM at 10 a.m. today at a gathering in Quezon City.

"We believe Flavier is the answer to the economic and political woes of the country. We will adopt his slogans ‘Let’s do it’ and ‘Idol ko, idol mo, idol nating lahat,’" Reyes told The STAR in a chance interview.

Flavier, however, played down the movement’s efforts, saying it is too early to announce his bid for the presidency.

"I am thankful for their endorsement, but it’s too early, baka malunod tayo (we might drown)," he said.

Flavier added that he would wait for the results of the surveys being conducted by Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Stations on his chances of winning the elections. He said the surveys, which will be out by April, will determine if he will join the presidential race.

Flavier said if he will not make it in the surveys, then he will not run in the elections.