Chiz still unsure on attending UNA rally in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines -  Reelectionist Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero is not yet sure if he will attend the opening salvo of the United Nationalists Alliance (UNA) in Cebu on February 12.

Escudero, who was in Cebu yesterday for personal affair, said he has yet to receive invitation from UNA wherein he is a guest candidate.

An independent candidate for the 2013 senatorial race, Escudero is also in the senatorial slate of administration’s Liberal Party.

Escudero expressed that it is unfair for both parties to feel bad at him for not going with their sorties when he is not invited, even in the shooting of their political advertisements.

“So, walang basis na sumama ang loob ng sinuman sa UNA tungkol sa bagay na ‘yan,” Escudero said in a press conference. (There’s really no basis for any one in UNA to feel bad about it.)

Escudero also doesn’t know yet the schedule of LP for its opening salvo.

“We will decide on the matter once we receive and we are formally invited by both sides,” Escudero said.

Escudero maintains his being an independent, so no one could dictate on him on what to do and what not to do, what to say and not what to say.

Another reason, Escudero pointed out, is that running as independent is faster and cheaper than in a group like what he did in 2007.

“Kaya, sa palagay ko walang rason para hindi nila maintindihan kung bakit ganito ang uri din nang kampanyang balak gagawin ko,” he said. (I think they would understand my reasons for planning to undertake the kind of campaign that I will do.)

Escudero also appears in the advertisement of LP as endorsed by President Benigno Aquino III.

“Walang karapatan sumama ang loob ng UNA na nag-appear ako sa advertisement ng LP, hindi naman kami naimbitahan sa UNA commercials,” he said. (UNA has no right to feel bad because I was never invited in their commercials.)

Escudero stressed that as an exception to the rule, a rally is no longer an effective way to campaign because those who attend are already their supporters and they might not listen to speeches anymore.

“Mas naniniwala akong magandang paraan para mapahatid ang mensahe mo sa pamamagitan ng new o traditional media, radio, television or diaryo,” Escudero said. (I believe that the better way to campaign is through new or traditional media.)

Escudero welcomed the Commission on Elections ruling shortening the airtime that a political candidate may buy for campaign ads, saying the move would level the playing field for all candidates.

But the senator said the Comelec’s regulations on internet campaigning remains a vague issue, given the innovative concept of the internet technology.

“It leaves more questions than answers. How can Comelec monitor it? For example, how do they count the minutes used by a particular candidate? What if someone uploads an ad without the candidate’s knowledge or permission? Will that be counted against his airtime? What if ill-meaning protagonists will use this free uploading just to discredit a political rival? These are realities that I hope the Comelec will tread with caution and consideration,” Escudero said. (FREEMAN)