Senator Francis Escudero. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – “I’m not a fighter. I’m just a lover,” so said Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero while some of his colleagues quarrelled over the alleged misused of Senate funds.
Escudero made the statement in jest on Tuesday when asked in a radio interview if he was ready for more stress in case he decides to run for either vice president or president of the Philippines in the future.
It was Senator Loren Legarda, who was also being interviewed in the same radio program, who teased about Escudero’s possible intention to seek a higher post.
“Sinabi ko kay Vice President (Jejomar) Binay noong natalo ako nung 2010, hinawakan ko kamay niya at sinabi kong VP Jojo you deserve the position, salamat at ikaw ang nanalo, hindi ako. Dahil pag ako ang nakaupo sa’yo, ang hirap. Sobra yung stress,” said Legarda, who ran and lost in the vice presidential race in 2004 and 2010.
(I told Vice President Jejomar Binay when I lost in 2010, I held his hand and told VP Jojo you deserve the position, I’m thankful you won and not me. Because if I’ve won, it’s difficult. There so much stress.)
“Kaya, Chiz (Francis Escudero’s nickname), pag-isipan mo, napakahirap ng stress kung ikaw ay magiging presidente, bise president,” she added.
(That’s why, Chiz, think it over, the stress is difficult to handle if you would become president or vice president.)
Responding to this, Escudero said, “Palagi ko nga sinasabi kahit noong bangayan at away sa Senado, hindi naman ako fighter eh, lover lang ako. Wala akong balak makipag-away.”
(I’ve been always saying during the controversies in Senate that I’m no fighter, I’m just a lover. I’m not looking for a fight.)
Pressed for an answer about his political plans in the future, Escudero reiterated his previous statements that any person is free to dream to become president or vice president.
Escudero, who has admitted his relationship with actress Heart Evangelista, also explained why he did not support Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s position against Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile over the issue on the P2.2 million funds given to senators last year.
Santiago is a known close friend of the actress.
“Una, wala siya kahapon. Hindi naman siya kasama sa pagpapatalsik kay Senator Enrile. Pangalawa, gaya ng nasabi ko, iba at hindi ko hinahalo ang personal sa trabaho,” said Escudero.
(First, she was not there yesterday (Monday). She’s not part of a group plotting to oust Enrile. Second, like what I’ve said, I don’t mix personal problem with work.)
The senator was referring to the decision of the Senate Monday to reject Enrile’s motion to declare the Senate presidency vacant. He was one of 11 senators who voted against Enrile’s motion to declare his position vacant.
Santiago was on a sick-leave starting Monday because of hypertension and bone marrow disorder.