Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas
To say that he is a stumbling block to a possible Mar Roxas-Grace Poe tandem in 2016 is an insult to the latter, according to Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
The interior secretary was endorsed last week by President Benigno Aquino III as Liberal Party’s (LP) standard-bearer in the upcoming elections.
“That’s the point of view of Liberal Party and an insult, if true, on [Poe’s] ability to decide for herself,” Escudero said on Tuesday when sought for comment on reports saying he was a hindrance to the possible pairing.
“They should not do that to a person they are allegedly courting,” he said.
READ: LP exec: Poe ties with Escudero mired Aquino plans for her
Some LP members had openly expressed their desire to have Poe as Roxas’ running mate though the senator earlier said she was more comfortable with Escudero.
Poe was voters’ top choice for president based on the latest survey of Pulse Asia while Escudero led vice presidential surveys.
The two, however, have not yet decided whether or not to run in next year’s elections.
Asked if he was offended by the statements, Escudero said, “Hindi naman ako ‘yung minamaliit (I am not the one being belittled),” followed by a hearty laugh.
Escudero also said he maintained his respect for the President despite the latter’s remark last week when he endorsed Roxas to be the administration’s bet.
Aquino said that in his search for someone who could continue what he started, he interviewed three people who he believed were his allies in pursuing the government’s “straight path.”
The President did not name the three but he was apparently referring to Roxas, Escudero, and Poe, who he met on July 15.
“The ideal situation is for those who need experience to have the opportunity to hone their skills and understand what is truly required of a leader. In my view, these three people compose a truly formidable team. At this point in time, however, success has eluded us in this endeavor,” Aquino said.
Reacting to Aquino’s remarks, Escudero says there is no school or course that teaches how to be a good president.
“What is important for me, what I’m always looking for, is one whose heart is in the right place and knows that things should be done in the interest of the country and not of oneself. For me, that’s the most important qualification for anyone who wants to be the president of the country,” he said.
Asked again if he was offended by Aquino’s statement, Escudero said: “No, I respect the President not only as the leader of the country but also as a friend.”