Chiz turns 40, but won't talk yet

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero turned 40 yesterday but found it inappropriate to announce his political plans amid the overwhelming calamities in the country.

Escudero said it was not the time to talk politics and the 2010 elections because of the disasters brought by tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng.”

The death toll from two weeks of the killer storms has reached at least 636, according to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

“Let’s just all work together to help the victims of these calamities,” Escudero said in a text message to The STAR.

Escudero was set to make an announcement about his political plans for the 2010 polls tomorrow as he turned 40, making him eligible to vie for the country’s highest post.

Sources said all was set for Escudero’s announcement at 6:30 p.m. at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan and that he was prepared to talk about his platform of government.

However, Escudero changed his mind and delayed his declaration, deeming it inappropriate at a time when many people have died and are suffering from the calamities.

But Escudero confirmed that he had made a decision and would announce his plans at the right time. 

Escudero is said to be eyeing Sen. Loren Legarda as his running mate.

But Legarda told The STAR she and Escudero had not yet finalized whether they would be a tandem in the 2010 elections and that she would make her own announcement by the third week of the month.

“It will be a solo announcement for me,” Legarda said, adding she was still busy with relief efforts for the typhoon victims and has been conducting seminars on climate change with local officials.

Legarda disclosed she would like to focus on developmental projects like job fairs and educating the public on the effects of climate change.

“I don’t think it is proper for us to discuss politics when many people had died,” Legarda said.

She earlier bared that aside from Escudero, four other presidential wannabes were asking her to be their running mate.

Escudero and his party, the Nacionalist People’s Coalition (NPC), where Legarda also belongs, had to hold declaration of any plans for 2010 until he turns 40, although he had been joining presidential debates.

In celebrating his birthday, Escudero earlier said he would just have a simple dinner with his family instead of holding a big party.

Last Friday night, he sponsored a rock concert held simultaneously in Manila, Iloilo and Davao for the benefit of the victims of the calamities.

Originally conceived as a free concert scheduled a day before the senator’s birthday, guests were instead requested to bring canned goods, a pack of rice, dry and usable clothing, bottled water, medicine, or simply donate a minimum of one peso for the fund drive.

Escudero’s birthday wishes are peace and security for his family, peace of mind for him and prosperity for the country.