Nardong Putik to Panday: Go for the presidency in 2004

CABANATUAN CITY - Nardong Putik has this unsolicited advice to Panday: Go for it in 2004.

If he were the personal adviser of Fernando Poe Jr., filmdom’s "Action King," known for his Ang Panday series, Sen. Ramon Revilla said he would prod him to run for president in 2004.

Revilla, who starred in Nardong Putik and other action movies before he entered politics, said he believes that FPJ, as Poe is popularly known, has a mass following, like his best friend, former President Joseph Estrada.

"Malakas yan, me hatak siya (He has a strong following, he can pull in the votes)," he said, adding that Poe has "likas na kabaitan (a natural goodness)."

Text messages recently circulated about a possible battle between Poe and President Arroyo in the 2004 presidential derby.

Revilla, however, believes that Mrs. Arroyo can be a tough opponent.

"President Arroyo is also extremely popular like him (Poe) and she has helped improve the economy. The more she will become popular if she could crush the Abu Sayyaf," he said.

One disadvantage of Poe if he decides to run for the presidency, the senator said, is his possible lack of resources. "But then, if you are popular, many will support you," he added.

Asked if Filipino voters might have taken a dislike for actors-turned-politicians after what befell Estrada, Revilla replied: "Di naman lahat ng artista pare-pareho. Iba yung Joseph, iba yung Fernando, iba rin yung Ramon (Not all actors are the same. Joseph is different, so are Fernando and Ramon)."