Is FPJ the ‘Taray King’?

Hounded by questions on the deteriorating peso and the possibility that the Philippines could become the world’s "laughingstock" if he becomes president, actor Fernando Poe Jr. showed flashes of a royal temper the other night.

Poe, standard-bearer of the opposition Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP), apparently was piqued by persistent reporters covering the 44th birthday celebration of his running mate, Sen. Loren Legarda, at the Seafood Century Restaurant in Manila Wednesday.

The incident took place at around 11 p.m. shortly after Poe assisted Legarda in blowing out her candles and the cake cutting ceremony.

After Poe took his seat beside Legarda at an oval presidential table, reporters jockeyed for positions against the so-called "hawi" boys, or security detail, to get closer to FPJ, as Poe is popularly called.

Poe was first asked about his reaction to businessmen’s statements blaming the peso’s fall on investor uncertainty caused by presidential candidates’ failure to present a solid economic platform.

"Chain reaction lang yun (That was only a chain reaction)," Poe said, referring to the factors raised by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Gov. Rafael Buenaventura.

Poe was also asked whether he believed that the administration was only capitalizing on the issue to derail his presidential bid.

He told reporters that what the government should do is to "work, work and work" in addressing all the present problems besetting the government.

Poe expressed confidence that elections in May will be credible.

Apparently thinking that the grilling was over, Poe started talking with Legarda.

But one of the reporters suddenly asked Poe about his reaction to President Arroyo’s claim that the Philippines would become the laughingstock of the world if he wins the presidency.

It was at this point that an unidentified lady butted in and told reporters that "your time is up."

"You were already given your time. Okay na," the woman said.

But the reporter persisted, prompting Poe to raise his voice a bit, saying "Mamaya na, pwede? (Later, okay?)," his poker-face forcing reporters to back off.

Reporters also complained of the unnecessary physical pressure being exerted by Poe’s security in their effort to ward them away from the candidate.

"It only shows that he is not used to answer issues involving the country and the Filipinos. It might also be an indication that he has no clear grasp on issues, that is why he is resorting to that," one of those who covered the affair said.

Legarda, meanwhile, described Poe’s march to the presidency as "an uncontrollable tsunami."

"There’s obviously no issue against him and that’s the reason why they’re finding every possible reason to bring him down. But he is an uncontrollable tsunami," she said when asked for comment on efforts by the actor’s critics to put him down.

Legarda said her role in a Poe administration has yet to be specified because they have yet to talk about it, "but I know he’ll make use of me ... I am going to help him in helping our country."

Showbiz icons sat alongside seasoned politicians during Legarda’s party. At the presidential table with Poe and Legarda were actors Eddie Garcia, Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama, and KNP senatorial bets Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, Jamby Madrigal, Alfredo Lim, Francisco Tatad and Amina Rasul, among others.

Movie producer Lily Monteverde, actor Rez Cortez, singer Rannie Raymundo, broadcast journalists Julius Babao, Christine Bersola, Tina Monzon-Palma and Angelo Castro and Legarda’s friends from the fashion industry were also present at the party.

Administration senators were notably absent, although they had reserved seats at the presidential table.

Sen. Loi Ejercito, whose husband’s impeachment was supported by Legarda in 2001, arrived early at the party.

Poe was apparently the most awaited guest at the party, turning Legarda’s well-wishers, many of whom were from high society, into gushing fans.

In his remarks, Poe paid tribute to Legarda for being a hard worker. He expressed the wish that the senator’s goals will come true, and even ribbed her that, "at least she admitted her age."

The celebrator responded by saying she felt honored to be chosen as Poe’s running mate. — With Nikko Dizon