Loren prefers to be FPJ’s running mate

TANAUAN, Batangas – Former Lakas stalwart Sen. Loren Legarda virtually made preference to actor Fernando Poe Jr. as her choice for the presidential elections next year.

Legarda told journalists here that she will be willing to run as vice president to Poe, who she described as a "unifying leader."

"As for FPJ (Poe), a well-loved personality, no ‘baggage’ to carry and a possible inspiration and a unifying leader. If you can read what I’m saying, definitely you will know what will be my answer by now," Legarda told the Batangas Newswriters Association after a tree-planting activity here.

Although the actor has yet to declare his intention to run in the May 2004 presidential elections, Legarda said he remains the popular choice among the masses.

"Even if you ask my family driver, my housemaids and market vendors, I know they will vote for FPJ," she said.

Even as Poe has repeatedly said he is not interested in seeking the presidency, the actor is being egged on by allies of deposed President Joseph Estrada to run under his Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).

Legarda, who bolted the administration party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) on Oct. 2, did not answer queries on reports that the actor approached her on the possibility of teaming up for the May 2004 polls. "I’ll answer that question next week," she told reporters.

As for the possibility of pairing up with opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Legarda said she is not sure.

"First of all, I haven’t talked to Senator Lacson yet as of this time because he’s not attending sessions at the Senate," Legarda said.

"I’m not really sure yet if he’ll be running for president. I consider him a friend," she said.

Legarda added Lacson is being harassed by "some forces" over his being one of the principal accused in the Kuratong Baleleng multiple murder case.

"Although the case has been already there for quite some time, the political persecution does exist," Legarda said.

"I don’t want to judge the merits of the case, since they were already appealing the case from the Supreme Court, but the perception is he is the object of the political persecution," she said.

The senator is also being rooted to team up with businessman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco.

Cojuangco, who has yet to declare his candidacy, is on a "consultancy tour" in the countryside trying to size up his chances of winning the presidential elections next year.

On one of Cojuangco’s recent tours in Tarlac, Legarda was seen with the NPC leader with Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL).

The presence of Legarda fueled speculations that she will end up as running mate of Cojuangco in the May 2004 presidential polls with Marcos included in the senatorial ticket.

Cojuangco founded the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) in 1992, which launched his first presidential bid. He ended up third after former President Fidel Ramos and former senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

The NPC, along with the KBL, now among the political parties of the "Sunshine Coalition" of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. of Lakas-CMD.

Legarda said she has not with Cojuangco since he has yet to declare his candidacy but described the businessman as "a good choice to help our country."

On the possibility of running for president, Legarda said this is one of her options. "Everything is possible," she said. "Being a woman or being inexperienced in politics is not a hindrance to serving the country," he said.

Legarda said she will have to consult her political advisers on the possibility of gunning for the top post.

When asked to comment on the vice presidential candidacy of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando, Legarda said his efforts in public service are yet to be felt.

"I have yet to see his achievements since traffic in Metro Manila is still bad," she said.

Legarda said she planned to plant trees in the center lane of major thoroughfares and side streets in Metro Manila to reduce air pollution.

"If I am to plant these trees (Fernando) will start uprooting them," Legarda told newsmen to the delight of the audience.