I ADMIRE Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero's principles. When he bolted the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), he said that he won’t allow himself to be dictated upon by a party or group of individuals. Only a united citizenry, he added, and not a party or group can solve the problems of the country.

“Para po sa akin, hindi dapat idikta ng isang partido ang gagawin ng sinumang tatakbo. Dahil kung gano’n, papaano niya mapapanagot ang mga tiwali sa gobyerno kung ito ay kagrupo o kasama niya?” Escudero explained.

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Is Chiz saying now that when he was with the NPC for 12 years, he was dictated upon by the party's founding chairman, businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco?

A political party is important, especially for one seeking the presidency. A political party carries a platform, stand or mission and vision. Also, politicians can expect financial support if they belong to a party. Well-oiled political machinery is what a presidential bet needs to ensure victory.

We live in a society where people can voice their opinions on any subject, whether it is for or against the government.

Freedom of expression is enshrined in our Constitution.

Everyone can make their ideas known to the community. In this setup, people with similar views and ideas eventually form groups.

These groups or parties are vital in our political system.

One person alone cannot really change anything. Sometimes, a unique idea or a demonstration performed by one person can get some attention but usually it takes a group to be noticed.

It is easy for ideas to be acknowledged if these are presented by a group. To do this, one must look for people who share the same idea and show that a large number of people feel strongly about an issue.

It would also be easier for a political party to solicit campaign funds from businessmen compared with an independent candidate, especially if one is aiming for the presidency.

Of course, we cannot eliminate public perception that campaign fund donors expect favors in return.

These favors may be through government transactions or passage of specific legislation that would promote the donors' interest. If a candidate wins, there is always “payback time” for campaign fund contributors.

In the US, political parties receive government subsidy. But parties can still solicit funds from outside sources, although they have to honestly and legally declare the solicitation, including the list of financial backers.

The Philippines has a different setup. Contributions and benefactors are not disclosed. Some politicians just run for the “fund” of it.

Chiz’s problem now is where to find funds if he pursues his plan to run as an independent. He is not a billionaire like Manny Villar. For sure, Danding will no longer support him.

Chiz may end up like Bro. Eddie Villanueva and other unknown and independent candidates. Worse, he could be perceived as a nuisance candidate. I think that no independent candidate has ever won the presidential race in this country.

If Chiz settles for the vice presidency, he will still have to live up to his statement against political parties. Leading presidential candidates who are still looking for a running mate, like Villar and Gilbert Teodoro, are with a party.

With this development, Chiz is practically out of the game in 2010. And if he runs for reelection in the Senate in 2013, would he still remain independent? Maybe Chiz is not yet meant to become president.

(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com)