Poe says she has high regards for Escudero

Senator Grace Poe. PRIB FILE PHOTO

Senator Grace Poe expressed high regards for Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday amid talks of her possible presidential run either with Escudero or Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

READ: Administration allies batting for Poe-Roxas or Poe-Escudero

Asked about reports that some are open or backing a possible Poe-Roxas tandem in next year’s elections, Poe made no direct answer to the question and instead pointed her long friendship with Escudero.

“Chiz and I have been friends and worked together since 2004. He has a proven track record in public service,” she said in a text message.

Asked then if she prefers to team up with Escudero over Roxas, Poe said, “I cannot comment yet because Chiz and I have not discussed at length his plans.”

Poe and Escudero, who are both independent, ran under the Liberal Party-led coalition in 2013.

While many LP members are rooting for Roxas to be its standard-bearer in 2016, a ranking party official, House Deputy Speaker Neptali Gonzales II, is openly lobbying for a Poe-Escudero tandem. TVJ

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