Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino Thursday got another boost in his bid for the presidence with the official endorsement of Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, an influential lawmaker who had also sought the presidency but dropped out even before the race could begin. In an interview on ANC Television, Escudero confirmed that he is supporting Aquino for president. However, he said his support his limited to Aquino only and not to his running mate, Sen. Mar Roxas. Escudero said instead of Roxas, he is endorsing Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, the running mate of former president Joseph Estrada, for vice president. Escudero defended his choices, saying Aquino and Binay would complement each other. “If they say that Noynoy came from a rich family, it would be good if his running mate would not come from such family. If they say Noynoy lacks experience, it would be good if his vice president is someone who has an extensive track record. I think they complement each other,” he said during the ANC's “HeadStart” program. Aquino and Binay would also form a good team because Aquino would come from the legislative branch of government while Binay comes from the executive, Escudero said. Moreover, Binay's leadership background and humble beginnings would match well with Aquino's rich background, the opposition senator said. Asked why he considers Aquino as the best choice for president, Escudero said the Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer will make a good Chief Executive “because his heart is in the right place.” “Whatever decision is brought before him as president, he will decide on it with the right intentions. Maybe it won't always be correct but I believe that the intention is there to do the right thing,” he said. On the criticism that Aquino is not prepared to hold the highest post of the land because of his lack of accomplishments in the House and in the Senate, Escudero said this does not matter because “nobody is prepared for the presidency” anyway. “Nobody has had a single day as president except perhaps former president Joseph Estrada, but none of the candidates really have on-the-job training insofar as the presidency is concerned. I think it should start with having a good heart and having your heart in the right place. Hopefully, I think everything would fall into place,” he said.
