Escudero to convince mom-in-law to shift bet in favor of Grace Poe

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said his mom-in-law’s support for another presidential candidate would not stop him and his wife from trying to convince her “until the day of elections” to support Senator Grace Poe.

READ: Poe, Escudero draw shrieks from fans, poll workers

Escudero is the running mate of Senator Grace Poe, who is seeking the presidency in the 2016 elections. His wife, actress Heart Evangelista, and the latter’s family, including her mother, Cecilia Ongpauco, were present when Poe proclaimed him as her running mate last September 16.

READ: Escudero’s mom-in-law to support Santiago’s 2016 bid

However, Escudero’s mom-in-law openly declared Monday her support for another presidential bet, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, when she attended the latter’s greet and meet at the University of the Philippines’ Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman, Quezon City.

Reacting to his mom-in-law’s support for Santiago, Escudero pointed out that “friendships and relationships go beyond politics.”

“While I respect the position now of Heart’s mother, who is admittedly very close to Sen. Miriam, it will not deter me and Heart from trying to convince her to support Sen. Grace until the day of the elections,” he said in a statement.

When also sought for comment, Poe, in a text message on Tuesday, said: “I respect and understand her decision.”

“They’ve been friends for years,” the lady senator added. RAM