Don't count Chiz out in 2010 presidential race, Enrile says

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on Wednesday said Senator Francis “Chiz" Escudero should not be counted out of the presidential race despite his decision to quit the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

Enrile said that even as an independent candidate, Escudero, who is yet to announce his plans for next year’s elections, can still win the presidency.

“I will not count him out, but I will not say his edge over other candidates. That is unfair to other candidates," said Enrile, who is seeking re-election under the ticket of former President Joseph Estrada.

The Senate leader is the chairman emeritus of Partido ng Masang Pilipino, which was founded by Estrada.

Escudero, in a surprise move, left NPC last week despite reports that he is being groomed by the party to be its standard-bearer in the 2010 elections.

The neophyte senator said he left the party to that he could have a free hand in deciding on his political plans.

Chiz to push through Enrile believes Escudero will push through with his presidential bid even without the backing of any political group.

“I think Chiz at this point is a personality unto himself, meaning that he will do it alone," he said.

Asked if Escudero can win if he will wage an independent campaign given the fact that no independent candidate has won a presidential race before, Enrile said, “There is always a first time."

He also said there were no talks between Estrada and Escudero in case the former is disqualified from the race.

“The possible substitutions are people who have Estrada surnames," he said, referring to Estrada’s wife former Senator Luisa Estrada, and sons Senate Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy" Estrada and San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito Estrada.

Estrada was convicted of plunder in September 2007 but was pardoned a month later by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He was dethroned in 2001 after less than three years in office amid charges of corruption.

Estrada’s intention to seek re-election has fueled legal debates, as the 1987 Constitution does not allow the president to run for the same post again.

Enrile said they are confident Estrada will not be disqualified. - GMANews.TV