OPEN LETTER TO THE "DA KING"

I've gotten this from Postcripts of the Philippine Star.

Mr. Fernando Poe Jr.,
7 Narcissus Drive, Beverly Hills,
Antipolo City

Dear Mr. Poe:

We are ordinary citizens with no political affiliation. We do not support any particular candidate. Therefore, we have no other agenda except our deep and unfailing allegiance to our country and the Filipino people. It is from this loyalty that we draw the courage to write you this letter.

It is in the news that you are considering running for president. If you love your country, we urge you, please deliberate on this with utmost care. We all know you will win because of your tremendous popularity as a movie hero. You have earned the esteem and admiration of the Filipino people such that to many, you have come to represent a promise of hope.

However, this is not enough. The task of governing our country that is beset with problems is much more complex today than it was many years ago. At this moment in our history we need a leader who can gain the confidence, respect and trust also of the international community.

This is paramount. An increase in foreign investments is necessary. It is imperative that we stimulate our capital market with a platform of government that is as specific as it is credible not only to our people but to the world as a whole.

While we are certain that the masses are your primary concern, you cannot ignore the class of people whose abilities are critical in order to propel us forward.

Our OFW’s are true heroes and while their skills serve us well when they work abroad, we also need to retain at home the talents that will give us the comparative advantage we so badly need. It is this group who are highly marketable and, on their own, can take their capabilities elsewhere to the benefit of other countries instead of ours.

Expert leadership is the only way we can extricate our people from poverty. It is the very masses who worship you and will vote you into office who will suffer the most, if the ship of state is not maneuvered masterfully.

We can no longer afford to think in a parochial manner. We need a leader who will make the Philippines a competitive player in the global market.

Our economy is at its breaking point. Our country can no longer afford to be dismissed or, worse, written off as The Sick Man of Asia.

You have secured an untarnished reputation as an artist and we acknowledge that your contribution to Philippine cinema has been significant. We believe, however, that the presidency of this country will best be served by one who has the proper background and experience to enable our beloved Philippines to be part of the global community -- not as an aid recipient but as contributor to the enhancement of this world we live in.

Winning will be effortless. Governing, on the other hand, will not be an easy task. We are, historically, a fractious nation. Consider the toll it will take on your family and the privacy you guard so tightly. We believe that you will be able to contribute much more towards uniting our nation and helping our economy as a private individual -- one who wields enormous influence over our less fortunate brothers. We know of the praiseworthy projects you and your wife have undertaken so quietly; your humility is admirable.

It is not too late. Please, look back and learn from the Erap episode of our history. Do not let individuals with their own agenda gain undue influence over you. Should your administration fail, it is you, not they, who will pay the price.

Let the Filipino people remember you as the man who could have been president but chose not to... because he truly loved his country. We are certain history will judge you not only as a reel hero but as a real hero.

Mabuhay ka, FPJ!

(PS from Postscript: Speak up if you share the conviction that while FPJ is a good man, he may not be prepared for the presidency at this time. If you have Internet connection, you can email the letter to everybody in your address book. Or make copies to snail-mail or hand out. And add you name to the growing number of Filipinos who share the same conviction. Or you can even write your own letter to FPJ.)