Presidential hopeful Poe turns on the media

Cornered by journalists at a birthday party, the leading candidate in the Philippines' presidential race, actor Fernando Poe Jnr, did little to dispel criticism he lacked a solid political platform.

In response to a series of questions from those who got past his bodyguards, Poe offered a mix of dismissive one-liners and a short temper to his interrogators.

The out-of-character display of anger from the frontrunner to replace President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sparked a media storm that threatens to hobble his campaign. Those present said they were surprised a presidential aspirant had behaved so brashly.

The action star declared his candidacy on November 26, with his allies predicting he would be carried to victory on a 'tidal wave' of support.

The media have staked out funeral wakes, political meetings, private luncheons and dinners; but burly men - looking like the bad guys in a Poe movie - have always succeeded in blocking inquisitive reporters.

But on Wednesday night, five reporters attended Senator Loren Legarda-Leviste's 44th birthday party on the off chance Poe would appear

They managed to conduct the longest interview of his campaign so far - six questions in all.