Escudero: No plans yet for 2016 polls

By: Maila Ager - 10 years ago

Sen. Francis Escudero. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday said he had no plans of running for president and was not considering himself an alternative to Vice President Jejomar Binay, who has announced his 2016 presidential bid.

“Wala naman akong balak tumakbong presidente. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ilalagay pa rin ako dun. Kung bakit five na,” (I have no intention of running for president. I don’t know why they still put me there. And why I’m at number five) Escudero told reporters when sought for comment on the latest Pulse Asia survey, which placed him at No. 5 in the voters’ preference for president in the upcoming elections.

“Wala akong balak tumakbo, ang plano ko maglakad lang,” (I don’t intend to run. I only plan to walk) said the senator who is set to marry actress Heart Evangelista on February 15, 2015.

“Wala munang takbuhan, lakaran lang muna,” (There won’t be any running, just walking) Escudero added as he refused to state his plans for 2016.

Asked if he was considering himself an alternative to Binay, Escudero said: “At this point in time, no.”

He added, “Kung sila masyadong maagang nagpaplano at nag-announce na, hahayaan ko na lamang sila. Wala akong planong sumabay sa kanila. Ang tagal-tagal pa talaga e.” (If they are eager to plan and announce early, I’ll just let them. I don’t intend to join them. It’s really still too far off.)

The senator said he was wondering why his name was included in the surveys of possible vice presidential candidates.

“Sino mang lamang sa survey, huwag magmalaki dahil matagal pa ang eleksyon. Sino man ang mababa, hindi rin dapat mainis dahil pwede pang magbago yun,” (Whoever is leading the surveys should not brag because the elections are still a long way. Whoever is lagging behind should not feel bad because the rankings could still change) said Escudero.