Chiz told to forego presidential bid rather than lose

MANILA, Philippines - A former colleague of Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero in the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) said yesterday he should abandon his presidential plans or risk losing the race and   prematurely ending his political career.

The veteran lawmaker, who requested anonymity, warned that it is useless for Escudero to join the presidential race without any political party to back him up.

“If I were Chiz, I will not run for president anymore. Instead, I will seek re-election in the Senate. With no political machinery to work for him, his chances are slim even as Vice President. He has no field commanders like congressmen, governors, and mayors to campaign for him in the barrios,” he said.

Escudero resigned from NPC last month, shattering earlier expectations that he would be its the standard-bearer.

Meantime, the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD (Lakas) has closed its doors on Escudero as the running mate of its standard bearer Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro.

“We don’t know where he is going. we can’t adopt him; solo flight siya. Even his former party mates are puzzled about his decision (to bolt the NPC). He’s treading a different path,” Lakas deputy secretary general Reggie Velasco said.

Escudero and Teodoro, aside from being close friends, were former colleagues in the House of Representatives and NPC members. Conjuangco, Teodoro’s uncle, favored Escudero over his nephew to be groomed as the party’s standard-bearer.   – With Dino Balabo