The Philippine Online Chronicles

Francis Joseph “Chiz” Guevarra Escudero studied in UP all his life from elementary to law school. After passing the Philippine Bar, he took a Masters degree in International and Comparative Law at the Georgetown University on a full scholarship. He is no stranger to the world of politics coming from a political clan and first entered the world of politics in 1998 as representative of the 1st District of Sorsogon, serving three full terms, sans the help of his father at the campaign trail. It was during his term that Sorsogon became a city and saw the electrification of most if not the entire district. He served as House Minority Floor Leader House Assistant Majority Floor Leader before earning the second highest number of votes as senator in 2007—a meteoric feat.

At present, he heads the Senate Committees on Justice and Human Rights; Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws; and Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies. Today, Escudero independent surveys show he continues to enjoy one of the highest approval ratings—among his supporters are the Magdalo soldiers. Among the awards he received are: Most Admired TV Personality, Young Global Leader award at the World Economic Forum, TOYM Awardee in Youth Leadership, Legislator of the Year, Outstanding Public Servant of the Year and Most Outstanding Congressman of the Year to name a few.

Senator Escudero is known for his outspokenness, earning both praise and criticism for it. Better outspoken than silent in the face of blatant anomalies, he once said.He sponsored around 200 bills and as a legislator, some of the key pieces of legislation which he authored which were passed into law are: Republic Act 9576, which increased the maximum coverage and further strengthened the PDIC, Republic Act 9514 (Revised Fire Code), Republic Act 9504 which increased the personal exemptions on income taxes—really not too many given his short career.

Talks have circulated that Senator Escudero delayed announcing his candidacy for lack of funding though he was one of the lowest spenders. Yet, despite of this, Escudero still managed to bag the second highest number of votes for the 2007 senatorial elections. Despite of his connections to Danding and other businessmen, he claims he is immune to their influence, citing his disavowal of the JPEPA despite of the fact that this treaty is beneficial to some of his political benefactors.

Just a few days ago, Escudero made news when he quit the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) and chose to run as an independent candidate. Some say this was political suicide—we’ve never had a President who won as an independent. The senator says that the move was prompted by a desire to be “truly independent” but, isn’t this the same Escudero who said that he doesn’t mind getting campaign support from the likes of Danding because this will not affect his integrity and independence? The same Escudero who thinks that political parties have the same platforms anyway? By the token, wouldn’t there be no reason to go independent because he is already independent?

Now it’s final: He announced that he is no longer running for president or vice president, saying that he isn’t “ripe” for the job. Was he fazed out by lack of funding, his low Social Weather Survey rankings, the daunting task of running as an independent candidate, and his lack of long years of experience as against seasoned politicians like Villar? Perhaps. In the meantime, he would do well to serve the Senate for a second term. Perhaps in the near future Escudero and the people will be ready to have him at the helm of our government.