Much has been said regarding the endorsements of incumbent senators. For some reason, the members of the Philippine Senate are the hottest faces in the world of advertisement. Well, just the Opposition. Not spared from the juggernaut of Opposition solon-enhanced endorsement is Senator Francis Escudero. As one of the new faces of Circulan, he has received quite a number of tirades from opinion makers.  Other senators moonlighting as endorsers include: Mar Roxas (Tide), Pia Cayetano (Downey), Loren Legarda (Lucida DS), and Ping Lacson (Facial Care Center). On the other hand, former toothpaste product pusher Manny Villar has an overseas Filipino worker-related advertisement.

Is there anything wrong with the picture?

The critics think that:

• These politicians are using these commercials as a means of keeping visible until the next presidential elections.
• These politicians circumvented legal statutes.
• These politicians took the route of traditional politicians.

The others opine that:

• These politicians represent the distaste of the public for the current administration since most of the endorsers are from the opposition.
• These politicians are not violating anything since the laws regarding commercial endorsements are at best fuzzy.
• These commercials are harmless.

I also read blog entries expressing disappointment with the product pushing performances of our lawmakers. Even iconic sociologist Randy David singled out NPC members Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero as disappointments. Most Team Chiz members are elated with Escudero’s turn as Circulan endorser.

Honestly, I do find this phenomenon a bit unacceptable. (This is just a personal opinion and not that of Team Chiz.)

For some reason, it kind of demeans their position. I mean, I admired and continue to admire Escudero because of his competent legislative work. Unless I am not mistaken, only Senator Bob Dole signed up for a product endorsement (Viagra) in the history of United States and he did that during his political retirement. I do not see Barack Obama smiling confidently for burgers. Or Hillary Clinton delivering a message for cosmetics. Or even John McCain supporting adult incontinence products. Sure the presidential nominees of the super power of the free world stooped the lowest of low to attract voters but product endorsement seems to be the last taboo.

On the other hand, I do believe that Bayani Fernando's horrible pink tarpaulins and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's 'Ramdam ang Kaunlaran' billboards are worse than commercial endorsements since they definitely spent government money for their shameless self-promotion. The world will be a better place if these road insults are banned forever.

I cannot fault people who rolled their eyes when some members of the Philippine Senate popped in their tubes hawking fabric softener and whitening pills. Their logic is quite simple: I voted for him because I believe he’ll be a competent and efficient legislator not a commercial endorser. It’s hard to end this debate until the law prescribing or proscribing endorsements of legislators are cleared up.

What’s your opinion?

Note: photo from www.chizescudero.com

Have you voted? Chiz wants our votes for our magnificent wonders. Read his statement below and then vote. Today is Earth Day. What better way to show our love for Philippines than to put her scenic spots in the world stage?

There's this freaky condition in which people internalizes and then actualizes their names (or the meaning of their names). For example, your family name is "Coulter" which means  "a blade or wheel attached to the beam of a plow that makes vertical cuts in the soil in advance of the plowshare." A person suffering from this condition develops a habit of cutting things up. Told you it's freaky.

Let's try FRANCIS JOSEPH GUEVARA ESCUDERO.
FRANCIS
From the Late Latin name Franciscus which meant "Frenchman". Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order of friars, was the son of a wealthy merchant who renounced his father's wealth and devoted his life to the poor. Later in his life Francis apparently received the stigmata. Another saint of this name was Saint Francis Xavier, a missionary to eastern Asia. Two other famous bearers were philosopher and scientist Francis Bacon, and explorer and admiral Sir Francis Drake. This name is occasionally used for girls. (Source: Behind the Name)

JOSEPH
From the Latin Iosephus, which was from the Greek Iosephos, which was from the Hebrew name Yosef meaning "he will add". In the Old Testament Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob. Because he was the favourite of his father, his older brothers sent him to Egypt and told their father that he had died. In Egypt, Joseph became an advisor to the pharaoh, and was eventually reconciled with his brothers when they came to Egypt during a famine. This is the name of two characters in the New Testament: Joseph the husband of Mary and Joseph of Arimathea. Also, rulers of the Holy Roman Empire have had this name. (Source: Behind the Name)

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

Technology has made our world a lot smaller. When broadcast and Internet media was not yet available, an individual can only communicate with a handful of people. It's even more difficult for a person to talk to politicians and movie stars. With the advent of SMS and various social network sites, the impossible has become a reality.

A. Enter Chiz Chatroom

• Visit http://www.chizescudero.com/chat
• Click register username and a new window will open for your registration details.
• Fill up the registration form and click save.
• Click start FlashChat after registration process is completed.
• Click login to enter using your new account.
• Login to chatroom.
• Under room, choose The Lounge.
  

B. Join the Online Conference

• As soon as you enter, you will be acknowledged by the moderator
• To ask question, type in a question mark (?)
• Wait for the moderator’s go signal for you to ask the question.
• Once the moderator gave you the signal to ask the question, you may type your question in the text box and click send.
• The Senator will answer your question.

Gertrude Samuels once said that, “talent plus knowledge, plus effort account for success.” The spate of accolades and accomplishments of Senator Francis Escudero during his neophyte months in the Upper House is an example of Samuels idea of success. Consider the following:

• He placed a phenomenal second in the recent elections despite of being a “rookie” in the national scene and having lesser campaign funds compared to other candidates.

• He was regarded as one of the “most productive” senators in the country (the other being Edgardo Angara) based on the number of filed committee reports.

• He has the distinction of being the only Filipino in the Asian News Network selection of Asian Idols.

• He ranked 32nd in the latest Power 100 issue of BizNews Asia.
  

• He is already considered as a possible presidentiable as well as a consistent leader in the vice-presidential surveys for the next elections.

The recent Pulse Asia Survey regarding the performances of senators in the controversial NBN-ZTE Deal is another feather to his cap. Senator Escudero topped the approval ratings among Metro Manilans with a whopping 83% while only 5% disapproves of his performance. Not bad for someone new. It was noted that his net performance rating rose from 77 (83% approve versus 6% disapprove) to 78 (83% approve versus 5% disapprove) in a span of five months. Indeed, his political star is burning brighter than ever.

The approval ratings (in percentage) of the senators are:

1. Francis Escudero: 83

2. Loren Legarda: 77

3. Panfilo Lacson: 70

4. Francis Pangilinan: 68

5. Jamby Madrigal: 66

6. Alan Peter Cayetano: 65

7. Jinggoy Estrada: 65

8. Benigno Aquino III: 61

9. Mar Roxas: 60

10. Antonio Trilannes IV: 58

11. Aquilino Pimentel Jr: 54

12. Manny Villar: 50

13. Richard Gordon: 47

14. Juan Ponce Enrile: 45

15. Miriam Defensor Santiago: 43

16. Edgardo Angara: 41

17. Joker Arroyo: 32

18. Juan Miguel Zubiri: 25

It is easy to claim that one reason for the exemplary performance of Escudero in the investigation is his training as a lawyer. It is a lot easier for him to cross-examine witnesses because of his profession. But what can you account for the dismal score of Joker Arroyo? Well, he’s affiliated with the administration and the anti-Arroyo sentiment is building up like a gargantuan tidal wave. True. The opposition lawmakers are benefiting more than their counterparts in the on-going probe. However, an 83% mark is still astonishing considering that Escudero is not one of the participating chairmen in the NBN-ZTE investigation.

He is not chatty or controversial like his other colleagues but for some reason his folksy, humorous, and rapid-fire manner of questioning leaves an affirmative mark to the public. The secret is simple: Francis Escudero is the perfect multi-media politician. The charismatic, silver-tongue – not too mention – good-looking lawmaker registers well in print, radio, broadcast, and the Internet. Yet, he maintains old school practice. During the probe, he takes down notes, listens intently to witnesses, refers to transcripts and reviews television coverage in order to form questions with factual and logical basis.

Gertrude Samuels’ ingredients for success (talent, knowledge, and effort) are all accounted for in Escudero’s NBN-ZTE Senate Probe performance – no wonder the public commends him.

There was an article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer before that warned people of Escudero’s boyish looks and charms. It said that these traits should not fool them into underestimating the Sorsogoanon lawmaker. True. There is much more to his appearance and charisma – underneath are a brilliant mind and tenacity for self-improvement.

Resting on one’s laurels is the worst reaction to personal success. Let us hope that Senator Escudero keeps on improving for the best. For now, he is the man on top of the political heap.

Power - in its most practical definition – is getting what you want or what you think you want by having people behave or respond the way you want them to, even in the face of opposition.The Power 100 issue of BizNews Asia is now on display until the end of June. Its annual issue features the most powerful and influential Filipinos. The current selection is composed of businessmen, media personalities, and politicians. Last year, then Congressman Francis Escudero ranked in the 60s – this time he placed 32^nd. Obviously, his phenomenal run in the mid-term elections contributed much to his ranking improvement.

The weekly business news magazine wrote (Power 100. BizNews Asia, January-June 2008. Volume 5, Number 48. p. 34):

His political trajectory indicates, he could be president in 2010. He almost topped the senatorial elections in 2007, missing it by less than 2%.

Only 39 this year, he has time on his side. He could make a run for president in 2010 when he becomes 40 and go back to the Senate if he loses. Then he runs again for Senate in 2013 and for president in 2016, his popularity in full bloom.

The presidency is a matter of timing, luck, and destiny. So far, Chiz seems to have all three. And he only recently got his and his wife’s long-awaited gift: twins.

He is a product of the state educational system, UP in elementary, high school, and college. He finished political science in 1988 and law in 1993.

A Jesuit education, with one year at Georgetown for his masters in international and comparative law, completes his formal training. He was a teaching assistant at 19, junior lawyer at 24, and senior law lecturer at 27.

He was his father, Sonny’s ‘poster boy’ (taga-dikit ng poster) at 15 when Dad ran for the Batasan parliamentary elections in 1984, leader of his youth brigade at 18, manager of his campaign headquarters at 23, and his troubleshooter at 26. In 1998, at 29, Chiz was his own candidate, for congressman. He won handily.

The controversial and unbashed anti-PGMA broadsheet Daily Tribune is - fortunately - quite fair to Senator Francis Escudero. I have been an avid reader of Ninez Cacho Olivares favorite newspaper ever since the Hello Garci Issue blasted and bamboozled the current occupant of the Palace.

Here are some tidbits from their feiry Commentary section:

1. Ambassador Ernesto Maceda (August 2 2006)
Rep. Francis Escudero is correct. The Constitution prescribes that the true state of the President’s health must be made public. Is it cirrhosis of the liver or bleeding ulcers?...

2. Ambassador Ernesto Maceda (May 17 2007)
New stars. Chiz Escudero, Darlene Antonino-Custodio, Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes are the new stars of Philippine politics. Against all the forces and pesos of Malacañang, they performed excellently in the mid-term elections.Chiz, Darlene and Alan led the House of Representatives floor fight for the impeachment of GMA.

3. Ambassador Ernesto Maceda (September 27 2007)
Brilliant. Sen. Chiz Escudero asked the more substantial questions based on provisions of law and executive orders. Escudero was able to pin down Abalos that in a total of 10 to 11 meetings or chance encounters with personalities involved, Abalos was seen or was present.

Escudero revealed a memorandum of agreement with China, which mandates that no announcement or press release on the ZTE contract be made without the consent of the other party, or complete secrecy.

Emil Jurado wrote in a recent issue of Philippine Graphic that it is an impossible dream for the Opposition to gain the upperhand in the upcoming presidential elections. He enumerated reasons such as disunity among the opposition particularly  the unusual moves of Joseph Estrada as well as the early campaign of the two Manuels.

Fair enough.

I just did not like his comment that it's crazy for some people to think that Chiz Escudero is not a presidentible material. He even used a cringe-worthy phrase to emphasize his point - Santa Banana. What the F? If the late Max Soliven's expression is Sanamagan, Jurado's choice is Santa Banana.

To be fair to the neophyte senator, he has not declared intentions of running for the top post. He does not hide that he dreams of being a president but he has not made any official announcements. Moreover, there's is nothing wrong for people around Escudero to think of him as a presidentiable - because he is.

1. He currently ranks third behind Loren Legarda and Noli De Castro in a presidential survey.
2. He is more popular than administration bet wannabes Bayani Fernando and Sonny Belmonte. Come on. We do not need a survey to confirm that statement.

1. He has never changed political parties. NPC member since 1998 and a loyal opposition through and through.
2. Do I really have to explain the charisma factor?

1. Notice the eccentricities of a rooster person? Yup. Roosters are full of eccentricities but still make great leaders. It's normal. Give one famous leader in history and he has eccentricities. For example, Mahatma Gandhi. The Great Soul of India is a tenacious observer of his daily bowel movements. Why the fascination with human excrement? I don't know. But did it deter him from inspiring India to oppose British rule? No. Another example, US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Hailed as the best ever, he steered USA from its two nightmares - the Great Depression and World War II. But did you know that his wife is his fourth cousin and that he kept his mistress within the White House? Eccentric.
2. Last election, he had a modest campaign chest compared to other candidates (Prospero Pichay!). Yet he won convincingly. How? A creative, diligent and motivated campaign.

Friends of the Rooster cannot be sensitive people. As bossy, overbearing and blunt as the Rooster is, you can imagine just about anyone wouldn’t last without a sense of humor! That’s why Roosters tend to have more acquaintances than actual friends. Still, any friend of a Rooster knows how dependable and honest he is and treasures his friendship despite his arrogance.

Best Friends: Oxen and Snakes

Mortal Enemies: Rabbits

(Here's a trivia: Escudero's idol, FPJ is born under the animal sign Rabbit while Susan Roces is born under the animal sign Snake!)

Roosters are not extremely easy to live with. However, if you can get past their bossy, obstinate, my way or no way exterior, you find a wonderfully romantic, caring individual hidden beneath. Their hearts are made of solid gold and they genuinely care abut their family and friends as mush as they care about themselves (believe it or not!). They are not suited for a sensitive partner, again, their candor and wit can be humiliating at times. Roosters can be highly critical of their partners, often expecting too much of them. (We should ask the wife for confirmation.)

The Philippine Daily Inquirer published a special series of their Talk of the Town feature during the campaign period. It gave the voting populace a peek at the minds of the candidates regarding national issues. This entry intends to present the viewpoints of Senator Francis Escudero in the five-part Talk of the Town series.

FIRST PART: SENATE BET GIVE STAND ON GREEN ISSUES
DATE: 22 APRIL 2007
Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA)

“I intend to go through the fine print to find out if indeed the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. If not, I shall seek its amendment and, if not possible, will reject it.”

Moratorium on Coal-Fired Power Plants
“This should have been planned a long time ago. We cannot do this overnight, but we do have to do it sooner than later and we have to provide contingencies for alternative sources of power, which are cleaner and more environment-friendly.”

Ban on Incandescent Bulbs in Favor of Compact Fluorescent Lamps
“The economic implications of such a proposal would have to be studied as our people might not be able to afford such a shift. But everything else being equal, I see no reason why we should not.”

SECOND PART: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO STOP THE KILLINGS?
DATE: 29 APRIL 2007
Extrajudicial Killings
“Simply implement the law that prohibits it. The executive branch must resign in its armed services to prevent and avoid extrajudicial killings. Strict observance of the concept of command responsibility must be enforced.”

Attitude toward Militant Party-List Groups
“They are being harassed. They should not. We should, in fact, encourage them to participate in democratic processes and to completely abandon any extra-constitutional activities, if any, instead of pushing them to the wall thereby forcing them to look for other avenues to express themselves.”

THIRD PART: ISSUES: HELLO GARCI, GMA LEGITIMACY, PARLIAMENTARY GOVERNMENT
DATE: 05 MAY 2007
Hello Garci
“It must be brought to its logical conclusion and those responsible should be brought before the bar of justice. This can be done by (1) Subjecting it [taped telephone conversations between Ms Arroyo and Garcillano] to a voice analysis by a mutually agreed upon authority (2) requiring all parties to submit an affidavit on the matter so that the issues can be joined.

Legitimacy of GMA Presidency
“Under the prevailing system, yes. However, we are questioning the factual basis of such a legal proposition which, to my mind, has no legal leg to stand on given the evidence we have on her assumption of office in 2001 and on the 2004 presidential election.”

How to Reform the COMELEC
“A complete revamp. Automation. And representation of both the opposition and administration is key areas and offices to remove any cloud of doubt with respect to its actions and decisions during elections.”

Turncoatism
“If ever this will be prohibited, sufficient time must be given to candidates to choose their party affiliation and not simply tie them down to their party at present – that will give undue advantage to the party in power. We have seen the ill effects of this during martial law and we should avoid it in order to reap, to the fullest, the advantages.”

Shift to Parliamentary Form of Government
“It should not be done at this time. It cannot and will not address the primordial problems of our country and people are facing, namely: jobs, prices and income. Such a shift will only serve the interest of the few.”

FOURTH PART: DYNASTY AND DRUGS
DATE: 06 MAY 2007
Anti-Dynasty Law
“Given a potential conflict of interest since I ran in the district that used to be held by my father until 1996, I will inhibit myself from any such discussions on the matter within the confines of the Senate. It is my firm belief, however, that it is up to the voter if he or she will vote for a candidate even if he or she has relatives in government or will no longer vote for such a candidate because of such relations.”

Importation of Low-priced Medicines
“I am in favor of such a move if indeed it will redound to the benefit of our people. Safety nets would have to be provided, however, in connection with quality control and intellectual property rights.”

FIFTH PART: PLATFORM AND DONORS
DATE: 13 MAY 2007
Platform in Broad Strokes
“First, to bring the voice and vote of the people to the Senate; Second, to focus one more lower prices, more income and no additional taxes; Third, institutionalize the GK approach in restoring the dignity of the Filipino; Fourth, to promote nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all Filipinos; and, Fifth, fight for what is right and fight against what is wrong…yes pag tama at no pag mali.”

Source of Campaign Funds
“Well-meaning friends and acquaintances who share my vision and my platform. We do not have a budget for our campaign. We simply make do with what we have.”

Asian News Network (ANN) released their choices for the 2007 Asian Idols. ANN is an alliance of 16 newspapers published in 14 cities. The Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of its members. The lone Filipino entry is none other than Senator Francis Escudero. The criteria includes the opportunity of the person to change the shape of the region in the future. The young politician is expected to reach for higher position in few years. To quote the article: "This early, the media is speculating that he may run for vice president in 2010."

Along with Escudero, the magnificent list of Asian Idols inclue:

1. Namgyal Wangchuk: the humble and Jet Li-look-alike monarch of Bhutan who is leading his country to the path of democracy
2. Tang Wei: the female lead of star of the controversial Ang Lee film Lust Caution
3. Buddhist Monks of Burma: the brave and proud monks who defied the Burmese military in protest of their decade-long suppression

1. Justice and Human Rights
2. Ways and Means

1. Oversight Committee on the Proper Implementation of the National Internal Revenue Code
2. Oversight Committee on the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Law
3. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act