Public clamor for change prompted me to run — Poe

Action star Fernando Poe Jr. said the other night he decided to run for president after hearing the people’s clamor for reforms while going around the country.

Poe, also known as "Da King" of Philippine movies, said it never crossed his mind to seek a post in government until he heard the people’s cry for change.

"I’m not running because of any political ambition," he said.

During a meeting with running mate Sen. Loren Legarda and the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) senatorial ticket, Poe said he could no longer ignore the people’s call for him to run when he decided to declare his candidacy for president last year.

"Lahat ng mga nakakausap ko noong umiikot ako para kausapin ang ating mga kababa-yan, lahat sila nagsasabi gusto nila may pagbabago (People I talked to while I was going around were telling me that they wanted change)," he said.

Poe said the clamor for him to run for president started in 2002, but he thought at the time that it was just a "passing fancy" that would eventually die down.

He was surprised when the call grew louder last year. He said he could no longer ignore the people, he added.

Poe said his first order of business when he becomes president is to bring back people’s trust and confidence in the government.

"This job is not for fun, hindi ito for ego-tripping," he said. "Our job is no joke, and it is not an easy task."

Poe said that as a movie star, he had the chance to go around the country and talk to people about their concerns, and see for himself the problems besetting them.

"I have seen these, I have gone all over the country," he said.

"I have seen it personally kung anong paghihirap ng mga tao (how the people suffer)."

Poe said that his wife, actress Susan Roces, and his US-based siblings were initially all against his decision to run for president.

"I told my wife, when I declared, there is no backing out anymore," he said.

"This is our assignment from the people. Sobra na ang clamor, na para bang hindi na kaya ng loob ko na talikuran ang mga tao (The clamor was so overwhelming that I could not anymore turn my back on the people)," he said.

Poe said his wife was the first person he had informed of his decision to run for president in the May 10 elections.

"Not even the group who are supporting me knew that I was going to declare," he said.

After informing his wife, he went to the United States to tell his sisters about his inclination to throw his hat into the political ring, he added.