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