ILOILO CITY, Philippines—While some have already conceded that it is too late, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero believes there is still enough time and opportunity for the fractured political opposition to unite.

“I am hopeful and positive that we will unite, if not today, then in the next few weeks. We still have enough time and hopefully we will be united around one candidate,” Escudero told the Inquirer on Friday on the sidelines of a forum organized by law students at the University of San Agustin in this city.

Escudero who belongs to the administration-allied Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) but is secretary general of the United Opposition (UNO), said at the forum that unity for the opposition remained “an ideal that we want to accomplish in the coming days.”

He said that personal interests should be set aside for unity to be achieved.

“We should be ready to accept the reality and truth about who can bring the greatest change in government. Whoever can bring the biggest contrast (to the present government) should be the candidate of the opposition,” Escudero said.

But he himself remained mum about his political plans, maintaining that he would decide on Oct. 10 when he turns 40, the minimum age requirement for a presidential or vice presidential candidate.

Escudero is among the opposition personalities being eyed to run for president. The others include Senators Manuel Villar, Manuel “Mar” Roxas and Loren Legarda, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and former president Joseph Estrada.