Chiz to decide on presidential plans next year

URDANETA CITY –Sen. Francis Escudero is still keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his 2010 presidential plans, as he told newsmen here yesterday to ask him again when he turns 40 next year.

Escudero, who was in Pangasinan yesterday to attend the birthday celebration of sixth district Rep. Conrad Estrella III, his party mate at the Nationalist People’s Coalition, told newsmen in a press conference that he is still uncertain about his plans for 2010.

The senator, a crowd favorite especially among the youth, is frequently asked about his plans for the 2010 polls.

He has been among the top choices in surveys as possible presidential or vice presidential bet.

In the Pulse Asia survey last July 1-14, Escudero garnered the highest trust rating among all public officials with 75 percent.             The neophyte senator, always clad in his signature “bagets” (young) look of jeans and t-shirt and sunglasses tucked into the neckline of his shirt, said he has only one consideration which will be his basis for running – whether he could do the job or not.

He said there are five requirements under the Constitution for a presidential candidate – being a registered voter in the Philippines, a resident of the country for at least 10 years, able to read and write, a natural born citizen, and must be 40 years old during the election.

He said right now, he is only 38 years old and will turn 39 on Oct. 10. Thus, he will turn 40 in 2009.

“Please ask me again if I already possess the five qualifications on my birthday in 2009,” he said, eliciting laughter from the crowd.

He said even the ones announcing this early their intention to run might not run anyway when the time comes. Or the one who has no intention yet as of now might be the one who would push through when election comes. But he admitted that like anyone else, he also dreams and prepares for that position.   – Eva Visperas