Philippine movie icon Fernando Poe registered as a presidential candidate in the coming May elections yesterday, posing a major challenge to President Gloria Arroyo's hopes of winning another term.
Poe, regarded as the Philippines' answer to John Wayne and the country's most popular film star, arrived at the official Commission on Elections (Comelec) accompanied by thousands of fans who mobbed the building, snarling traffic and bringing work in the area to a standstill.
The 64-year-old veteran of scores of action movies was escorted by his vice-presidential running mate, photogenic Senator-broadcaster Loren Legarda, who also registered her candidacy.
Popularly known simply by his acronym, "FPJ", Poe, along with Legarda, waved triumphantly to the crowds from a balcony before registering as a candidate under the opposition (KNP) Coalition for United Filipinos banner.
The supporters brandished banners saying "we love you FPJ," and rushed the gate to get closer to their hero as Marine security personnel strained to hold them back.
Also accompanying Poe was his wife, former movie heartthrob Susan Roces, as well as a group of minor movie celebrities.
However Poe declined to make any public statement and was swiftly whisked away in a car, leaving the crowd of fans still chanting "FPJ, FPJ."
Poe's campaign manager, Senator Vicente Sotto, a former movie comedian, later said in a statement that the team of Poe and Legarda was "unbeatable at the polls."
Sotto said that a Poe-Legarda administration "would be marked by dialogue, confidence-building and reconciliation, with emphasis on truth and justice."
Sotto also remarked that Filipinos were "sick and tired" of traditional politicians, adding that Poe would draw his support from the poorer classes who make up most of the population.
Recent surveys put Poe as the frontrunner among presidential candidates, followed by former education secretary Raul Roco, Arroyo and former national police chief Senator Panfilo Lacson.
Although he is hugely popular, many are worried about Poe's qualifications for the presidency: he is a high-school drop-out who has never held office or been involved in public service.
Poe is yet to unveil a campaign platform and has avoided giving interviews on his candidacy.
His candidacy has also split the opposition with a smaller faction backing Senator Lacson as their presidential candidate.
Poe has been endorsed by ousted president Joseph Estrada.
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