Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – Shock and sadness filled the room of the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan Tuesday when Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero announced that he was no longer joining the 2010 elections."Wala na lang election [Let’s call of the election]!" one of his supporters shouted after Escudero gave his speech.
Escudero's staunch supporter, Bebeth Orteza and close friend, Congressman Florencio "Bem" Noel, were saddened by the senator's decision.
"Syempre nakakalungkot [Of course we’re sad] but I'm very proud of him," Orteza said.
She said Escudero had been offered funding support but was "uncomfortable" with some of its sources.
Noel revealed that even hours before Escudero's announcement, he and some of their friends were still convincing the senator to change his decision.
It was Noel who first told the media that Escudero might run for vice president next year.
Former Senator Serge Osmeña also issued the same statement Monday.
Noel admitted that as early as Saturday, Escudero hinted that he would no longer seek any post in 2010. The senator, he said, only reached his final decision Monday night.
By that time, however, Escudero's supporters like actress Susan Roces and daughter, Grace Poe, were all set to go to Club to show their support for the senator.
Roces and Poe were immediately told about Escudero's decision late Monday night.
Escudero's friends in Congress like CIBAC Partylist Representative Joel Villanueva and North Cotabato Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio were also set to attend Escudero's press conference at the Club Filipino but Noel said he advised them not to proceed only at around 5:00 a.m. Tuesday.
Source: http://politics.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&article=20091124-238041
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