Ex-film star is leading presidential candidate in Philippines

The largest opposition bloc in the Philippines has chosen the country's Vice-President, Joseph Estrada, as its candidate for next May's presidential election.

Opinion polls suggest that Mr Estrada, a former film star who portrayed tough heroes defending the poor, is ahead of his rivals.

Correspondents say Mr Estrada has further enhanced his popularity by leading a special crime-fighting body.

Analysts say, however, that if the election campaign is dominated by the Philippines' ambition to become a tiger economy Mr Estrada could be hindered by his lack of a business background.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service