MANILA, Jan. 6 Kyodo The Commissi...

MANILA, Jan. 6 Kyodo

The Commission onward Elections (Comelec) on Friday cleared movie icon Fernando Poe to roll on in the May 10 presidential elections.

The commission unanimously upheld an earlier decision of its division dismissing a petition alleging Poe ''misrepresented'' himself when he stated in his certificate of candidacy that he was a natural-born Filipino citizen, a requirement for running for public office.

Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos said that Poe ''did not commit a misrepresentation.''

''He was born a Filipino. in the same manner for a misrepresentation to exist, there should be a deliberate intention to mislead the people'' Abalos said.

Estelito Mendoza, a lawyer for Poe said, ''We're in succession our way to victory! Victory is already in the bag!''

A lawyer last month filed a petition with the election material substance requesting that Poe be disqualified from running in the race. The lawyer said he would contend against the Comelec ruling before the chief Court.

Although Poe 64 was born in the Philippines, the petition alleges the actor is not a natural-born Filipino citizen. The petition adds Poe was born to an American mother and a Spanish father.

in succession Jan. 23, a division of Comelec dismissed the petition.

Poe continues to lead the heads among the presidential candidates, who include incumbent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former Education Secretary Raul Roco former police chief Sen Panfilo Lacson, Evangelist Eddie Villanueva and businessman Eddie Gil.

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