Opposition Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's resignation from the Nationalist People's Coalition last week came as a surprise to many, arousing questions as to the reasons behind this sudden twist in his presidential bid. NPC spokesperson Rex Gatchalian downplayed the resignation saying that “Senator Escudero’s decision does not diminish the fact that we remain in a solid position to actively participate in the election". Indeed Escudero is dispensable for his former party that has the backing of quite a portion of the country's elite. Reports have it that NPC founder Danding Cojuangco Jr. has been talking with the Liberal Party for a possible alliance to support Noynoy Aquino. Earlier reports also say that Danding allegedly refused to finance Escudero's campaign. The senator also reportedly met with Cojuangco the night before his resignation.
Posted on his facebook account, Chiz Escudero's camp meanwhile denied the involvement of money and election funds for his decision, claiming that the move was an affirmation of his ideals in promoting a new brand of politics as opposed to party politics. The senator was quoted as saying that an ideal president should only have the Philippines as his party and the Filpino people as his partymates. He however did not clear if he will be running for president as an independent candidate and asked the public for more time to think about the matter. Senator Escudero also made public his pronouncement that he is now free as his lips were no longer sealed and his hands no longer tied.
Whether it was a sincere decisive move to advance alternative politics or pure rhetoric to save his face, Senator Chiz Escudero deserves a pat in the back for implicitly laying bare the most kept secrets of the ruling class (that includes him) behind closed doors where meetings are held and decisions are made to ensure their places in the power structure.
Baka di nya kayang gastusan ang kampanya...kasi nga ayaw syang pondohan ni danding, malakas pa rin kasi c noynoy sa surveys. =>