Poe says he respects RP poll result

Poe says he respects RP poll result

PHILIPPINES: Philippine opposition presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. said on Sunday he would abide by the results of the May 10 elections, backing down from earlier statements that he had won the bitterly contested polls.

However Poe, the country's most popular movie star, did not concede to incumbent President Gloria Arroyo but merely called on his followers to remain calm. He also appealed to Congress to oversee the counting of the votes fairly.

In a statement, Poe said: "I reiterate my complete faith in democracy. I believe that the true will of the people is the voice of God. I bind myself to fully abide by the will of our people."

Poe had toured the southern Philippines this week, telling his supporters that he had won the election and accusing Arroyo of cheating him of victory. -- AFP