Escudero not shutting doors on Villar but...

Senator Francis Escudero is not shutting his doors on the possible partnership with Senator Manny Villar in next year’s elections provided that the latter will explain his alleged involvement in the C-5 road anomaly. “Sana ipaliwanang niya hindi sa akin kundi sa Senado at sa sambayanan ang mga isyu na ibinato sa kanya kaugnay ng kontrobersiyang binanggit ni Senator Madrigal para mabigyang linaw ang mga ito bago ang anumang pag-uusap o pakikipag-usap para sa akin," Escudero said Wednesday during a weekly news forum at the Senate. (He should explain not to me but to the Senate and the public the issues mentioned by Senator Madrigal against him before talking about a team-up with me.) Escudero was referring to Senator Ma. Ana Consuelo “Jamby" Madrigal’s accusation that Villar profited in the C-5 road extension project last year. Villar, the Nacionalista Party’s most likely presidential bet in the 2010 elections, has repeatedly denied the allegation but refused to appear before the Senate committee of the whole's hearings on the ethics complaint filed against him by Madrigal. The committee is now preparing its report on Villar’s case. Villar had earlier said that he is open to the idea of having Escudero, currently independent after leaving the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) late last month, as his running mate. This is despite the fact that Escudero has yet to announce his political plans for next year. Escudero said he is taking his time on deciding on his political plans, adding that he is not worried that his coyness may result to an exodus of his supporters. “Kung talagang sa ‘yo sila, talagang hihintayin nila ang tamang panahon hanggang ika’y magpasya (Real supporters are willing to wait)," he said. He said he had already talked with his supporters and they understand the situation. Among Escudero’s supporters who are willing to wait for his announcement are the Filipino for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement (FPJPM), one of the groups that supported the presidential candidacy of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. in 2007; and the Samahang Magdalo. “We’re still anticipating Senator Escudero’s announcement," said Francisco Ashley Acedillo of Samahang Magdalo. - GMANews.TV