Escudero says no chance for him to run with Gibo

CEBU, Philippines - Opposition Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he has no plans of jumping ship following reports that he may run as vice president to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro under the Lakas-Kampi-CMD in next year’s elections.

The reports surfaced after Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno announced he is letting go of his plans for the vice presidency.

“Gibo-Chiz?. Hindi mangyayari yan… Hindi-hindi ako pwedeng kumandidato sa administrasyon,” Escudero said.

Escudero is being eyed to run as president under the Nationalist People’s Coalition but still refused to make any formal announcement.

Another NPC member, Senator Loren Legarda, already declared her vice presidential bid last week but also refused to name with whom she would be paired with.

Meanwhile, Escudero lauded the efforts of a citizens group in Cebu in carrying out a campaign to educate the youth on the importance of the electoral process.

“The election next year is especially significant to the youth as they comprise a majority of registered voters. Clearly, they have the power to change the course of Philippine history by availing of their privilege to choose those who will lead this country in the following years,” Escudero said.

The Cebu - Citizens’ Involvement and Maturation in People’s Empowerment and Liberation (C-Cimpel) has been making the rounds in different universities and colleges in Cebu to orient students about next year’s elections.

C-Cimpel, in partnership with University of San Carlos, is also working for the establishment of a youth arm for the group.

Escudero also encouraged other citizens and cause-oriented groups to do the same in other areas in the country, not only among young voters but to all those who will be participating in next year’s polls.

Escudero was in Cebu as guest during the Senior Citizens Congress organized by the city government. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon /JMO