Lopez: I won’t be part of destabilization moves

Former Manila mayor Gemiliano "Mel" Lopez said yesterday he will not be party to any efforts to destabilize the government if the Supreme Court rules that actor Fernando Poe Jr. cannot run for president.

Lopez issued the statement in response to "threats" made by some of Poe’s supporters. Actor Niño Muhlach, in a television interview, said he and other members of the "Mga Batang Panday" will fill the streets of Metro Manila if Poe is disqualified from the presidential race.

The Supreme Court has yet to rule on the eligiblity of Poe, the standard-bearer of the opposition Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino, to run for president after a group of lawyers filed a petition questioning his citizenship.

"There’s no question about the popularity of (Poe) in Manila, but if he loses his case there are other peaceful avenues," Lopez told reporters during the weekly Balitaan sa Rembrant Hotel forum in Quezon City.

He said he will be first one to oppose any move to mobilize Manila residents to join any mass action.

"I believe that there will be a peaceful and honest election. Let us not sow intrigue among ourselves," Lopez said.

Lopez, who is the opposition mayoralty bet in Manila, said people should instead rally behind a leader who espouses peace. He added that a good leader is someone who is cool under pressure and does not lose his temper when dealing with pressing problems for the day.

At the same forum, Eric San Juan, the administration’s mayoralty bet for San Juan, said some "radicals are riding on the issue" of Poe’s citizenship because "they want to create chaos and disorder."

San Juan warned Poe to be wary of these radicals who have joined the ranks of the opposition. "They are just waiting for the proper time," he said.