The Filipino Barack who wants to make change

He is not yet old enough to run for president under Philippine law, but Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero will be by next year, when he will consider a run to become the country’s youngest ever leader.

Escudero, who turns 40 in October, is frequently compared with U.S. President Barack Obama due to his charisma and eloquence.

The first time senator, a lawyer, says he is flattered by the Obama comparison, but isn’t ready to announce his candidacy yet for the presidential polls in 2010. "I am not saying I won’t, I’m not saying I will. All I am saying is that the decision will have to made when I’m fully qualified," Escudero said.

Elections are 16 months away, but Manila’s political class is already readying for the polls, with a clutch of leading political figures, mostly senators, considering their chances.

Escudero, who got his nickname from the local equivalent of the "Cheetos" snack food, estimates slightly more than 50 per cent of the country’s voting population in 2010 will be 40 years old and under.

"I would want to see a young leader in 2010. Someone that embodies the generation to which the majority of Filipinos belong to right now," he said. "The next leader should also follow the law and execute the laws," he added.

Escudero is staunchly opposed to President Gloria Arroyo and has supported all four impeachment motions against her. Arroyo will not be eligible to run again, under laws that prohibit more than a single six-year elected term for the president.

Escudero’s detractors have belittled his capability to be the country’s next leader because of his age and inexperience.

"Being young is not a handicap," he said. "No-one can boast anything based from experience because those with long experience in government have made big fools of us. Experience... has not served this country well."

Escudero, with 11 years as a legislator under his belt, stresses he is no different than other candidates he would be up against in 2010 in terms of years in public service.