Susan Roces absent at Makati rally; FPJ group explains why

MANILA, Philippines - Movie actress Susan Roces, the widow of Fernando Poe Jr who lost to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the 2004 presidential election, was conspicuously absent at the interfaith rally in Makati Friday. Rez Cortez, president of the FPJ Movement for Truth and Democracy, confirmed that Roces did not attend the rally that was graced by big names, such as former presidents Corazon Aquino and Joseph Estrada. “She told us that after her public appearance expressing dismay over Mrs Arroyo for stealing the presidency not once, but twice, she does not want to mix up with us anymore," Cortez said. “We respect her decision. She said that politics is a strange territory for her," he said. Cortez, who participated in the interfaith rally held in front of the Ninoy Aquino monument in Makati City, said Roces though expressed support for the principles the FPJ supporters are fighting for. “She told us that I'm with you, but don't expect me to lead," Cortez said. Roces said she doesn’t like Mrs Arroyo but it doesn’t mean she would seek revenge for her husband who was believed to have been cheated of victory in the 2004 presidential election. Cortez said that FPJ supporters would continue their anti-Arroyo activities without Roces. “We stand by our belief that Gloria must resign. We will also push for Vice President Noli de Castro’s resignation. Gloria is not the legitimate President so is Noli De Castro," he said. He said the group wants Senate President Manuel Villar Jr to take over as president and call for a snap election after six months of a transition government. Cortez said if a special election would push through, they would ask Estrada to run for president. “He (Estrada) told us that he does not want to run anymore, but we will convince him to run," Cortez said. - GMANews.TV