Senator Chiz Escudero, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, delivers a privilege speech on the 2014 General Appropriations Bill, Tuesday morning. According to Escudero, the 2014 budget proposal, which includes funds for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction programs and projects in the amount of P70 billion, will also include specific funding for the rehabilitation of the Visayas on top of the existing calamity fund to be sourced from items which can be postponed in the 2014 national budget. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he remains uncertain whether or not he would seek higher office in 2016.
“I’m not even sure if I’m running unlike in the 2013 elections when I was sure of running for reelection, I could easily answer that question. But to begin with, there’s a prejudicial question: Tatakbo ba ako o hindi? (Will I run or won’t I?)” Escudero told reporters on Wednesday when asked if he would continue his alliance with the administration coalition led by the Liberal Party (LP).
“Hindi pa naman ako nagpapalano, nag-iisip o nagpapasya (I still haven’t planned about it, thought about it or decided on it) so for me to answer that question would be premature at this time,” he added.
Escudero, who has no political group, was adopted by the LP when he ran for reelection in 2013.
Asked when he would make a decision, the senator said: “I don’t know, perhaps about a year before (May 2016) siguro. That’s when I think the proper time to consider all of these things ng sinumang kandidado kasi napakaaga pa naman talaga e (for any candidate because it’s still too early).”
While he was still uncertain about his political plans in 2016, Escudero was excited about the thought of seeing his fiancée, actress Heart Evangelista, walk down the aisle.
The two are set to tie the knot on February 15, 2015.
“Pwede ba bago pag-usapan yung pagtakbo, ‘yung paglakad na muna? Nandoon muna ako sa lakad, wala sa takbo,” he said in jest.
(Can we just discuss “the walk” instead of the run? My mind’s on “the walk,” and not on the run.)
“Papunta sa altar, hindi sa balota. Lakad muna bago takbo,” Escudero added.
(To the altar, not the ballot box. We are going to “walk” first before I run.) (MNS)