Chiz sees harassment of Grace

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Francis Escudero yesterday questioned the motives of perennial senatorial candidate Rizalito David, who filed a case before the Senate Electoral Tribunal to unseat Sen. Grace Poe.

Escudero said prospective presidential contenders could be using David to pressure Poe against running for president. 

He said the case is clear harassment, noting that nobody questioned Poe’s residency and citizenship for the last three years that she was senator.

 “The legal period to question her qualifications would have been 15 days after the proclamation,” Escudero said.

Escudero refused to speculate on the group who could be using David, adding that Poe’s camp should face the issue head on. 

Escudero said Poe’s detractors could not put her down despite their underhanded tactics.

“She already said that she welcomes the opportunity to prove that these allegations are unfounded and have no basis,” he said.

On whether the case would discourage Poe from running for president, Escudero said it would be her call. 

“She is considering all her options, as I said I am ready to support her,” he said.

NPC support

Escudero said he and Poe hope to get the support of a majority of members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition during their meeting at the NPC Clubhouse in New Manila, Quezon City last night.

Escudero, however, refused to comment on reports that the NPC, led by business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., might declare their support for a Poe-Escudero tandem in 2016.