In a forum with college students in Pangasinan, Poe — a high-school dropout with no record of public service — said his lack of experience in politics was an asset as he owed no political favors.
"My difference from other (presidential candidates) is I am not a politician. I am not beholden to anyone. I do not owe anything to anybody so if something happens, you can look directly to me because I owe no debt of gratitude to anyone," he said.
The consultation with about a thousand students of the Virgen Milagrosa University in San Carlos City was the first in-depth discussion with Poe since he filed his candidacy for president earlier this month.
Poe said that before he made the decision to run, he made sure that he would not be manipulated by any single person or party.
"If that were the case, it would have been better if I did not run. But if anyone tries to dictate to me, he had better think about it first," the hugely popular movie star said defiantly.
The 64-year-old veteran of scores of action movies is the presidential candidate of a coalition of opposition parties going up against President Arroyo in the May elections.
Recent surveys show that Poe is the front-runner in the presidential race, followed by former education secretary Raul Roco and Mrs. Arroyo.
However there have been widespread accusations that Poe is being manipulated by powerful opposition figures, an image fueled by Poe’s reluctance to publicly discuss major issues.
Among Poe’s backers is his close friend and fellow movie star, deposed President Joseph Estrada, who is in detention while being tried on massive graft charges.
Asked about his platform, Poe said that he could not elaborate yet or he might be charged with campaigning ahead of the official campaign period.
But he said that his main priority would be to bring "trust and confidence" back to government, adding that "the reason I ran for this office is that I know I am honest."
Poe, standard-bearer of the opposition Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (NKP), said the "greatest challenge in my life is probably what I’m facing today."
Speaking in English and Filipino, Poe said that no matter what the odds are against his candidacy, he will not quit as he sought their help for his fight. Poe’s citizenship is being questioned in court.
Poe said one of the greatest challenges he faced was when his father, Fernando Poe Sr., died, a challenge that taught him to persevere.
"I am not a quitter. Although I didn’t finish high school, I worked hard and was able to build a business empire through honesty."
The Poes are from barangays Caoayan Kiling and Malacañang in San Carlos City in Pangasinan.
Poe also brushed aside speculation that he would step aside to make way for another opposition candidate.
He added that if he can do something for the country and the people, he will not turn his back to their clamor. "Let’s not quit so we can compete," he added.
Poe added that in 2002, there had been a strong clamor for him to run. He said people approached him then no longer as a movie star but as a politician.
He assured the students that he will not be corrupted in case he wins "because I know I’m honest."
Poe said that if he wins the presidency, he will work to restore the trust and confidence of the people in the government because "without it, nothing will materialize."
Responding to questions about fears that he might become another Estrada, who retained the services of several advisers, Poe said, "I won’t be a puppet president, that I guarantee you. They said I may become an (Estrada) clone, but we do not have identical DNAs. We’re not identical." Estrada was ousted in 2001.
After the forum, Poe met with his relatives led by his uncle, Rudy Poe in San Carlos City. Poe then proceeded to Dagupan City, also in Pangasinan, to meet with Archbishop Oscar Cruz at the St. John’s Cathedral.
His visit to Pangasinan kicked off a series of "provincial consultations for his presidential candidacy."
"If it does happen and I get elected, I will really do my very best so that Pangasinan would continue to be proud to have me as its son. You won’t be ashamed of me," Poe said.
At the residence of Mayor Antonio Villar Jr., founding chairman of Biskeg, Poe met with Pangasinan Reps. Amado Espino Jr., Mark Cojuangco and Conrado Estrella III of the second, fifth and sixth districts, respectively.
Also at the meeting with Poe were 20 mayors, board members and several vice mayors and councilors of Pangasinan.
Even Vice Gov. Oscar Lambino, acting provincial Lakas chairman, was present during the affair, saying he could not refuse the invitation of Villar, his political mentor.
Lambino admitted that Poe is his favorite Filipino movie actor and that he loves to watch the GMA television network specials airing Poe’s movies, titled FPJ sa GMA.
Lambino also said he sought the permission of his superiors in the ruling party so he could meet Poe in the flesh.
"They just advised me not to raise Poe’s hand," Lambino said amid bursts of laughter, as Villar join in the wisecracking.
"It’s in my house where this dialogue was held," Villar said. "Tomorrow they’ll come to handcuff me."
On a more serious note, Villar told Poe, "They say they are strong but there’s no doubt you are the strongest here."
He added that although it’s still early to openly endorse whom they will support, he said that he will still consult with the group but hinted that at the rate things are going, all indications are that Poe would be it.
Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo Perez Jr. addressed Poe as "Mr. President," adding that, if Biskeg will unite for a common candidate regardless of their political affiliation, there will be a sure victory for Poe.
Addressing the provincial leaders, Poe said, "we have one motive, that is to help the people and the country."
In a press statement, senatorial candidate Jamby Madrigal described Poe as "a man with a mission," who makes his own decisions.
Poe, she said, "is a man on a crusade because he has been consulting with the masses and the masses seem to be saying they no longer have any trust and confidence in government."
"I am very comfortable being on his (senatorial) slate, " she said, adding that, during the Estrada administration, during which she served as a presidential adviser on children’s affairs, she would see Poe in the Palace.
Poe, she said, would sit quietly and observe the workings of the Palace, adding that Poe "was not politicking. He was there just as a friend of (Estrada)." — AFP, Eva Visperas