NEWSFLASH 

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FPJ TO STAR IN TAX CAMPAIGN PROMO

Manila, Jan. 21, 2000 - President Estrada’s close buddy, King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe Jr., will have a unique starring role in his next project: a commercial to help the government in its intensified tax campaign.

Senators Vicente Sotto III and Ramon Magsaysay Jr. told reporters the promo will be produced by Finance Secretary Jose Pardo.

The two senators agreed with Pardo on the principle of tapping Poe and other movie personalities for the campaign which could increase tax collections and reduce the budget deficit this year.

“Siguro, naniniwala si Secretary Pardo na ang isang credible at matinong taong kagaya ni FPJ (as Poe is more popularly known) ay madaling makahihikayat sa tao para magbayad ng buwis (Perhaps, Secretary Pardo believes that a credible and good person like FPJ can easily convince the public to pay the right taxes),” Sotto told Senate reporters during a press briefing at the Department of Finance.

Sotto, a former actor and TV variety show host before he entered politics, stressed the need for using proper information materials and credible personalities in information campaigns, specifically on government programs.

This is because most Filipinos want to imitate what their idols dowhether in showbiz, sports or arts, he added.

Magsaysay said the use of credible and famous personalities is an effective tool in convincing the people to pay the right taxes.

Sotto and Magsaysay said because he is an idol of the public, Poe will surely convince the people to pay their taxes.

“He has that convincing power,” they added.

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Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi