Chiz Escudero as NPC Standard Bearer

A source says that the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), the front political party of businessman Danding Cojuangco is preparing for the official pronouncement of Senator Chiz Escudero as their official standard bearer for the 2010 Presidential polls. Senator Loren Legarda, as the source says, has agreed to be Chiz' running mate. The official pronouncement will be held either on or after the October 10 birthday bash of Chiz.

If this is true, then, Chiz will be the youngest presidential candidate at 40 years old. The second youngest is Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro, followed by either Loren or Mar Roxas.

There are also ongoing talks between the NPC and the camp of former president Joseph Estrada. A possible merger of both parties is in the works, yet, most supporters of the former president, says the source, are against the formal coalition. Erap is expected to announce his candidacy for the presidency in late September, ahead of the possible party convention in October. Erap's possible running mate is either Jejomar Binay or a "kicker" candidate whom the source refused to identify.

The source says Chiz' consistent showings at the Top 5 choice for the presidential position is the reason why many of NPC's stalwarts prefer him as their standard bearer. Another reason was the full backing and support given by traditional politico Luis Villafuerte, the kababayan of Chiz Escudero. Villafuerte, the source says, is eyeing the DILG post under an Escudero presidency.

Villafuerte is a powerhouse political player in Bicol, a vote rich region. He was an original Lakas CMD member before he crossed the fence and joined Danding. Villafuerte, the source says, is Danding's political operator. Talks are rife that Lakas-KAMPI is fast losing ground support due to Villafuerte's efforts.

Legarda failed to get the backing of Villafuerte, who is a close friend of Chiz's father, a former Congressman and Marcos crony.