FPJ supporters choose Noynoy over Erap

A group of supporters of late actor Fernando Poe Jr. on Monday chose Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III as its presidential bet in next year's polls, instead of Poe's "bosom buddy" former President Joseph Estrada. In a press conference in Quezon City, Freedom, Peace and Justice Movement (FPJM) officially launched Sulong Noynoy (SNN) movement to help Aquino in his campaign once he decides to run for president in the 2010 elections. Manny Portes, FPJM convener and SNN chairman, said that they are neither asking nor urging Estrada to withdraw his presidential plans because they are confident that the former president already knew what is best for the country. “Hindi namin pinapaatras si Presidente Estrada dahil wala kaming karapatang magpaatras ng kahit sinong kandidato, pero kami ay naniniwala na mahal ni Presidente Estrada ang sambayanang Filipino at alam niya ang kanyang gagawin," Portes said. (We're not asking President Estrada to withdraw since we don't have the right to demand this from any candidate, but we belief President Estrada cares for the Filipino people and he'll know what to do.) He added: “Hindi maitatago na kaalyado kami ni Pangulong Estrada pero kami ay naniniwala na sa ngayon, si Noynoy ay karapat-dapat mamuno. (We can't deny that we are allied to President Estrada, but we believe that at present, Noynoy is worthy to lead.) We need a rallying and unifying leader, and we believe that is Noynoy." Portes said he is confident the SNN would be able to reactivate and rally FPJM's 100,000 members all over the country to help Aquino in his candidacy. Also, he said that the group will be able to increase the number of its volunteers, noting that even non-members have expressed readiness to join. In its manifesto of support, SNN said the restoration of freedom, peace and justice in the country will only be possible if the next administration will be led by a leader who possesses integrity, competence, pure democratic principles and compassion for the Filipino people. “From among the numerous aspirants for the position of President…the members of FPJM have chosen to wholeheartedly endorse and vigorously support Senator Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Cojuangco Aquino as its presidential candidate for the 2010 elections," part of the manifesto reads. Portes said the members of the SNN movement have volunteered to contribute their time, talent and resources in order to formulate a program of government for Aquino's presidency, to work for clean, honest and orderly elections, and to continue supporting Aquino even beyond the elections. “The SNN movement does not expect anything in return other than transparent, accountable and good government," he added. Portes said they had talked about their plans with the senator, who thanked SNN its support. He clarified that FPJM has nothing to do with other groups supporting Poe and Estrada. “We are just one of the 100 organizations for FPJ (Poe’s initials). We are an independent group and we do not take orders or directives from anyone. We have a separate personality from the other groups," Portes said. Asked if they will still support Aquino if the latter decides to run for vice president, the SNN chairman said the senator cannot implement the programs and reforms if he will only be second in command. After the press conference, the group proceeded to the Aquino residence on Times street in Quezon City to hand their manifesto of support. The senator, who arrived home from Tarlac province at around 3 a.m., was not able to greet the group as he was still asleep. Aquino’s aides received the manifesto. His chief political officer, Rico Puno, arrived minutes later and talked to the group. In a text message to reporters, Mary Grace Poe, the late actor’s daughter, said Portes does not represent the majority or even a respectable minority of FPJ supporters. “He is not a member of the Fernando Poe Jr for President Movement (FPJPM), the group headed by Boots Cadsawan that launched the two-million signature campaign for FPJ’s candidacy in 2004. Portes can only speak for himself," the young Poe said. She added that Aquino is certainly a credible candidate but at this time FPJPM is yet to announce the candidate it will support. “The platform of government of the presidential candidate the FPJPM will support has to reflect the advocacy of FPJ for the poor. The candidate must be sincere in his plan to change the country for the better. He must have the will, track record and capability to institute positive reforms," Poe said. - Amita O. Legaspi, GMANews.TV