Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero will be standing firm on his decision if he is going to continue to run for presidency on 2010 elections or not. He will be announcing it on the day of his birthday when he turns 40 on October 10.

"Ang turo sa akin ng lolo ko, mangangarap ka na rin lang taas-taasan mo na (My grandfather taught me to aspire for something higher)," Escudero told radio dzMM’s "Magandang Morning" program when asked to choose between a presidential and a vice-presidential run.

Chiz is one of the top 4 in the survey results for presidency.

"Sa totoo lang, minsan lang ako magbibitiw ng salita… Kapag nakapagpasya na ako, misan ko lang sasabihin at paninindigan ko na iyon (I will speak only once. When I make a decision, I will say it only once and I will be firm about it)," Escudero said.

It has been known that Senator Mar Roxas just announced that he is withdrawing to run for presidency to give way to his partymate Senator Noynoy Aquino. But Aquino has not decided yet if he is going to push thru to run for the presidency.

Deciding for himself and not just being influenced or dictated by other people is Aquino’s “First Test of Leadership”, Escudero said. Escudero rejects the calls by reformists to give way to Aquino. They say that they see Aquino as the only person who can unite the country  and implement reform in the government.

"Walang puwedeng magsabi na kami lang ang mabuti at magaling at kayong lahat ay hindi (No one can say that they are good and better and the rest are not)," he said, adding that having more than two candidates for president in 2010 would be beneficial for the voters.

Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio also declared his support to Noynoy including  Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca if he is going to run for presidency on 2010 elections.

"Kami po ay umaapela sa ibang grupo at kandidatong nagtataguyod ng reform agenda na makiisa na rin sa aming panawagan (We are appealing to other groups and candidates pushing for a reform agenda to join us)," the priest-turned-politician said, adding that they cannot ensure Aquino’s win in 2010 without unity among all "reformists."

Source