Rift undermines 'united opposition'

Philippine presidential candidate keeps opposition guessing

When actor Fernando Poe Jnr did not show up at his own formal proclamation as the presidential candidate of a political coalition, it was seen as an indication of the seriousness of the rifts within the opposition.

Poe declined on Wednesday to accept just yet the official endorsement of the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino - a grouping formed this month to represent the 'united opposition'.

Poe has conceded that the opposition is bitterly divided over whether to support him or Senator Panfilo Lacson in the national elections in May.

The day before the proclamation, Poe was asked if he would give way to Senator Lacson to unite the opposition. 'That's possible', was his terse reply.

Despite his immense popularity, Poe concedes that he needs an organised political machinery. 'I need a party to win,' he said.

This appeared to be a tacit admission that he did not have the support of a significant bloc of the largest opposition party, the Struggle of the Democratic Filipinos (LDP), despite having secured the backing of its president, Senator Edgardo Angara.