THE recent actions of the Chiz Escudero for President Movement (CEPM) society group manifests only one thing at the moment— that Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero will at long last run for president in next year’s elections.
While keeping maintaining refusal to preempt his desired position, Escudero, in all his engagements with the media, would only say that he will announce his candidacy after his 40th birthday, this Saturday, Oct. 10.
“Mangarap ka na lang taas-taasan mo na. Minsan lang ako magdedeklara ng aking mga plano at magiging huling desisyon na iyon,” Escudero said.
The senator went on to say that whatever will be the outcome of his decision, he will not pledge support to President Gloria Arroyo and will not even sign up for Manny Villar.
Escudero added he's not afraid of those who've went ahead and declared their candidacy. “Hindi ho ito karera ng kabayo na kung sino ang mauna sila ang mananalo. Let time run by itself. Nasa tamang panahon ang lahat.”
CEPM head, Dennis Anticamaro, in a report published in Manila, claimed they launched the movement which composed of society groups includes drivers associations, women's and youth groups.
Last Sept. 29, Escudero joined his supporters at CEPM in Davao City for the launching of the movement in Mindanao.
Escudero called the activity as a symbolic and significant event, given the fact that Mindanao has always been close to his heart, adding he was humbled by the show of spirit and support by various groups.
“I understand your frustrations and I have seen how you have all been treated by previous governments. For the past 40 years, you have heard a lot of promises but have hardly experienced progress.”
The launching and turnover ceremonies held at the Cordillera and Mactan ballrooms, Grand Regal Hotel in Davao likewise included a manifesto signing.
The manifesto underscored the decision of various community and civic groups in Davao City, Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur to unite behind one of the most dynamic young leaders today, as witnessed by the crowds he attracts in his visits to every province.
Those who signed included 250 heads and members of homeowner’s communities, tricycle operators and drivers associations, transport groups, teacher’s alliances, women’s groups, senior citizen’s organizations as well as barangay leaders and the Youth for Chiz Davao.
“As the hope of this nation, I am counting on the youth to make their voices heard in next year’s election,” Escudero said.
After declaring their support for Escudero, the Movement’s members vowed to work for the recruitment of at least 300,000 members not only in the region but in the entire Mindanao.
The CEPM is a first of its kind in the region and Mindanao and underscores Escudero’s emergence as a candidate of the youth who identifies with him and has always turned out in droves wherever he goes.
REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA