Chiz denies early campaigning despite TV guestings, product endorsements

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero III on Thursday said his recent television guestings and product endorsements are not forms of early campaigning.   “Nagkataon lamang siguro na nagkakasabay-sabay. Hindi naman namin pinlano ito. Hindi naman namin hinanap ito,” he told reporters during the launch of a meat product brand which has tapped him as an endorser.   He added that he is campaigning not for himself, but for the products that have chosen him as endorser.   “Kung mabigyan din naman siguro ‘yung iba ng ganitong pagkakataon, malamang gagawin din nila iyon eh. Kanya-kanya lang siguro yan,” he said.   The senator likewise said that his endorsements are all for free because most of the owners of these brands are his friends.   “Hindi naman ugali na manghingi ng ganoon [talent fee]. Hindi namin pinag-uusapan ‘yun at all,” he said.   Aside from meat products, Escudero is also currently endorsing a computer school, a soft gel capsule, an oil-based malunggay supplement, and an international wristwatch brand.   The senator is also currently appearing as co-host in the morning talk show of Kris Aquino, President Aquino's youngest sister. He is also scheduled to appear in GMA-7’s comedy-musical talk show “Pare & Pare” on Sunday night.   Still independent   Escudero also maintained that he will run as an independent senatorial candidate in the 2013 elections.   He, however, said that he is open to being an adopted candidate of any coalition.   “Being an independent, I am free to be adopted by any coalition, but let them make the announcement as far as this is concerned,” he said.   The senator likewise refused to talk about any discussions with the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) and the ruling Liberal Party (LP).   “Ayokong manggaling sa akin o iprejudge ang kanilang desisyon. I will abide by any decisions they make and I will thank them for any support they will give me,” he said.   Escudero remains the top choice among potential senatorial candidates for next year, based on recent survey results. — ELR, GMA News