MANILA, Philippines—Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero can still win the presidency next year even if he runs as independent, Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile said on Wednesday.

“There’s always a first time, my dear. There’s always a first time to undertake a revolution,” said Enrile, who is seeking a re-election under the ticket of former president Joseph Estrada.

“I will not count him (Escudero) out. I will not,” he said.

After resigning from the Nationalist People ‘s Coalition last week, Escudero has indicated that he is now open to the idea of running as an independent candidate in 2010.

Escudero said he would make the final decision before the November 30 deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy.

But Enrile believes that the neophyte senator will push through with his presidential bid even without the backing of any political group .

“I think Chiz at this point, is a personality onto himself. Meaning, he will do it alone. I think, he will have a vice president,” said the Senate leader.

Ernile also dismissed speculations of any discussion between Escudero and Estrada’s party, Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino or a possible substitution by Escudero in case the former leader is disqualified from joining the presidential race next year.

If Estrada would be disqualified, he would be replaced by any if his close kin—his wife, former Senator Luisa “Loi” Ejercito, and sons, incumbent Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and n San Juan Mayor Jose Victor Ejercito, said Enrile.

“Kung mare-replace si Erap (Estrada’s nickname) baka ang tatakbo si Dra. Loi or si Jinggoy (If Estrada would be replaced, maybe Dr. Loi or Jinggoy would run),” he said. “We’re talking of substitution and who could use the Estrada family name except Loi, JV or Jinggoy?”

While it was not stipulated in the law, Enrile believes that the PMP would choose an Estrada over Escudero as possible replacement for the former leader.

“It will be the choice of the party but since the Estrada name is the one that has a name recall to the supporters of PMP, then I assume that it will have to be an Estrada,” he further said.

As far as the PMP is also concerned, Enrile believes that Escudero was “in the cards.”