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| Google search results for Chiz Escudero |
Six years later, it is the election season again. Not surprisingly, Senator Chiz Escudero is on the top spot in surveys. And so I decided to kick off the reactivation of this blog with my reflection on Chiz.
One of the 2 questions I asked then is the primary legislation that he will work on. Of course, Senators file a lot of bills. But usually, during the 6-year stint, they will be able to work on one or two they will author and see it passed until the end. His answer was "guarantee accessibility of education to all Filipinos up to college and not only up to high school."
Am not sure whether he was able to achieve that.
To learn about what he has done, I ran a Google search and made the following observations:
Website has a virus
My first stop was his website (I won't link to it till am sure it doesn't have a virus anymore) but got immediately redirected to an error Bing page and my Sophos anti-virus giving a warning that it has downloaded a virus (that needs to be cleaned up manually). Fortunately, it is a Windows virus and am on Mac. Still figuring on how to find it - for it doesn't appear in normal file search.
Senate and Wikipedia page not updated
With the website down, I had to look for other resources online. His Senate and Wikipedia page doesn't have listing of bills he led, pushed for in the Senate, and passed in the last 6 years.
I hope Chiz can make time to have them updated for not being so gives the impression that he hasn't pushed for a single bill that he authored, presented in the plenary, and that became a law as a Senator.
The Heart Evangelista factor
I can't help but notice that Heart Evangelista stories shares the same page 1 exposure when you search for Chiz Escudero. Although some have a "kilig" factor on this one but its timing can also be perceived as a campaign gimmick.
But of course, it will be unfair to dismiss that the couple is not sincere with each other. Remember when Mar Roxas declared his love for Korina Sanchez? There was a lot of "kilig" factor to that one too but when they took their relationship to marriage at campaign time, it was seen to be politically motivated - which is also unfair for the couple.
Some may see the Chiz-Heart buzz as a strategy to take the focus away on negative issues that hounded the Senator in the past weeks such as the quality of work he has done as a legislator. I guess when you set up yourself differently - like someone to be relied upon to push for what the people needs and communicate that very well whenever he gets interviewed or gives a talk - legislation lapses doesn't sink in that easily especially when actions contradict each other.
Christine Elizabeth Flores
Of course, stories about him and ex-wife Christine still being "friends" appeared prominently too on search engine results. Although when you start dating someone in showbiz, your past life also becomes showbiz. Questions will be asked on the separation reasons. It is likely that both of them will have to answer that someday or let the rumor mill spread the word on the reasons they know about.
Black propaganda target?
Some note that Chiz will be a popular target for black propaganda. Although, I think even if he is called by so many names - worst I saw so far is a traitor, I doubt it will affect his chances of winning.
Activity and commitment
One question asked in the 2007 chat was, "Will he function less after being elected (like what most politicians have been)"
Chiz answered then saying something like "hopes his track record can speak for his activity and commitment after being elected."
Will you vote for Senator Chiz Escudero for a 2nd term?
So will I vote for Senator Chiz Escudero as a Senator for another term? Not sure yet. I guess till I know more about the past 6 years, I can't say for now. Unless of course I will just be contented with the impression - that he is a nice guy.
(Will be doing a follow-up post and feature other candidates too. Your insight and suggestions will be very much appreciated.)
