NEWS
Chiz-Jinggoy team seen in 2010 polls
By Roy Gersalia
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:52:00 03/26/2009
Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Elections, Regional authorities
SORSOGON CITY, Philippines – A team-up of opposition senators Francis Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada for the presidential and vice presidential race in the 2010 elections is in order, said a political analyst here.
The analyst relied on Estrada’s message on Tuesday night during the commencement exercises of the Sorsogon State College at its main campus here where the lawmaker was the guest speaker.
In his message, Estrada said he was following the footsteps of his father, former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada – as he was also an actor, a mayor and also has a mustache – as a possible candidate for vice president these coming elections before going to bid for the presidency.
He said he was open to the possibility of a team-up with Escudero as his president for the 2010 elections as, he said, both of them are stalwarts of the opposition party and good friends.
His comment of a possible tandem with Escudero drew applause from the audience.
Escudero is a native of Sorsogon and is believed to have a wide following, especially among the youth.
Joey Gois, a local political analyst here, said the tandem of the opposition senators, who also both have good records as legislators, would possibly defeat other candidates even from the administration.
“The idea of a team-up is most welcomed by the Sorsoganons as they are both with good credentials plus they have the popularity needed to win in the elections,” said Gois.
“Their chemistry, especially at this time that most Filipinos are dismayed with the administration of President Arroyo, would, I think, nail the administration candidates,” Gois said.
He also said that not only Sorsoganons should rally behind Escudero, but all Bicolanos as well, as the senator might not only become the first Bicolano president but the one who would also serve the people well.
The 39-year-old Escudero has reportedly not decided yet on the matter, saying it was too early and he has more work to do at the Senate.
He, however, said he was open to any possibility.
