MANILA, Dec. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- The former presidential candidate and movie actor Fernando Poe Jr.'s condition has deteriorated after he suffered a stroke, doctors said Monday.

    "He is still in a coma and has multiple organ system involvement. His blood pressure is being supported by medicines," neurologist Abdias Aquino said.

    Aquino said that Poe suffered from "a severe brain attack secondary to multiple infarcts involving both the anterior and posterior brain circulation due to the occlusion of blood vessels."

    Poe's spokesman and House Minority Floor Leader Francis Escudero also said that the former opposition presidential candidate's condition deteriorated compared to Sunday night.

    "If he (Poe) was able to breathe on his own last night, he is now under medication and is attached to machines to support his blood pressure," said Escudero.

    "While the indication is not positive, we are still praying andhoping for the best," he added.

    Poe's friends from in and out of showbusiness had been coming since news of the actor's condition spread over the weekend.

    Those who have visited Poe included former President Joseph Estrada and his former running mate Loren Legarda.

    "He is the leader of the opposition so we have to show our support,"Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said.

    Poe suffered a blockage in one of the veins in the right side of his brain before he was sent to the St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

    Poe lost the election in May to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Since then, he has been in the brink of health, according to his spokesman.

    Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye earlier said that President Arroyo is praying for Poe's swift recovery.

    "The president joins the nation in praying for Mr. Poe's swift and complete recovery, and wishes him well," Bunye said.

    "She hopes that he will be discharged from the hospital soon sothat he can enjoy the holiday season with his loved ones," he added. Enditem