Poe-Lacson meeting still uncertain

LIBMANAN, Camarines Sur – Any unification talks between presidential candidates Fernando Poe Jr. and Panfilo Lacson would depend on the campaign schedule of the standard-bearer of the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP).

Speaking at the residence of supporter Mat Soriano here, Poe said he has yet to finalize his appointments next week before he could confirm a meeting with Lacson on Monday.

"I don’t know yet my schedule," he said in Filipino when asked whether he would be available for a meeting with Lacson. "I have to check my schedule. But if there should be a meeting (that would be arranged), I’ll make sure, I’ll be there." The talks with Lacson would depend on his schedule, Poe added.

In Butuan City, Lacson told reporters Poe must not set any deadline if he wants the unification talks to push through.

"I texted him last Monday, but he did not response to me," he said. "That is our agreement that I will just text him to call me. I was hoping last Monday evening that he is available. But he did not response. But last Tuesday I got sick."

Lacson said he will send a text message to Poe to find out if he would be available for a meeting on Monday. He is still hoping that he could meet with Poe. — Paolo Romero, Jose Rodel Clapano, Edu Punay