MANILA, Philippines?While he wants to run for a higher office, Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero is also open to the possibility of not joining the 2010 elections.
"Bukas lahat ang aking option kabilang ang hindi paglahok kung saka-sakali dahil nga ang sabi ko, ako na bilang ako at tayo-tayo ang magpapasya (All my options are open including my non-participation because as I said I myself, we, will make the decision)," Escudero said answering questions after he announced his decision to leave the Nationalist People's Coalition.
He said he would like to seek a higher post next year but recognized that he would need money to launch a national campaign.
"Hindi ako heredero. Nandyan ang tatay ko, hindi ako haciendero at lalong hindi ho ako bilyunaryo (I am not an heir. My father is there, but he is not a landowner, and I am not a billionaire)," he said.
"Titimbangin ko ang kakayahan ng paglunsad ng anumang position na aking tatakbuhan sa mga susunod na araw at sa mga susunod na linggo (I will weigh my capacity to run in the elections in the coming days and weeks)," he said.
In leaving the party, Escudero did not say if he has plans of joining other political groups.
Asked if he was considering running as independent, the senator said, "it's a good idea."
Escudero also belied rumors of any disagreement with former party mate, Senator Loren Legarda, who declared her vice presidential bid last Friday.
He said he did not talk with Legarda since her declaration but this did not mean that they were not okay.
"Hindi kami nagkausap mula noon pero hindi naman nangangahulugan na hindi kami nag uusap o merong namamagitan sa amin (We have not talked since but that does not mean that we will not talk or that there?s something going on between us)," Escudero said.
The senator then asked for understanding for his decision to leave the party.
"Sana?y maintidindihan ako ng aking mga kapartido. Sana?y tanggapin nila ang aking pasya, personal kong desisyon ito kaugnay sa paglisan sa partido (I hope my party mates will understand me. I hope they will accept my decision, my leaving the party is my personal decision)," Escudero added.
