Despite the departure of Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero from the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) as the prospective standard bearer,Senator Loren Legarda is staying with the party.

Pangasinan Representative Mark Cojaungco told to reporters who received a call from Legarda Wednesday morning after a few minutes of Escudero's announcement in Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City. Rep. Mark Cojuangco is the son of NPC head Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco. Cojuangco said he was surprised by Escudero's announcement. As far as he knows, there was no reason for the senator to leave the party.

Further, He said Legarda gave him the go-signal to announce to the media that she is staying with the NPC. Earlier, Legarda has announced that she is seeking the vice presidential post.