Chiz declares he's 'separated-in-fact'

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed his separation from his wife when he filed yesterday his 2011 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) with the Office of the Senate Secretary.

In his two-page SALN, Escudero indicated that he and his estranged wife Cristine, with whom he has twins, are already “separated-in-fact.”

The senator also placed his estranged wife’s maiden name in the space provided for “spouse name.”

An asterisk after the name “Flores, Cristine Elizabeth R.” reflected that they were separated-in-fact, apparently the first official document released by the senator indicating his current status. The space for the spouse’s signature was left blank.

Escudero’s total net worth was pegged at P9,867,082.09.

He listed two residential units in New Manila, Quezon City, which were acquired in 2005 and 2008, respectively.

The first one had an assessed value of P570,860 and current market value of P1,631,030, while the second unit was pegged at an assessed value of P431,960 and a current fair market value of P1,234,180.

The two units had acquisition values of P3.6 million, and P3 million, respectively.

Escudero listed P1.2 million in cash assets; jewelry acquired from 1979 to 2000 now totaling P1.37 million, Partnership Int. worth P213,441.29; and three cars acquired in 2011.

The vehicles are a 1995 Range Rover Classic worth P1 million; 1969 BMW worth P333,640.80, and a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser worth P650,000.

Escudero’s total assets are at P11,367,08.09. He has a personal loan amounting to P1.5 million.

Escudero also made known his business interest with EMSA VVIL Law since 1994.

He also listed six relatives in government service: his father, Sorsogon Rep. Salvador Escudero III; his paternal uncles, Sorsogon Vice Gov. Antonio Escudero Jr., Casiguran vice mayor Ramon Escudero, Casiguran councilors Rico Hatoc and Dennis Escudero; and a cousin, Krunimar Escudero, a legal officer.

The STAR earlier reported that Escudero is filing for the annulment of his marriage to Cristine, with whom he has been estranged for more than two years.

Escudero had been mum on the matter, but somebody close to him confirmed that the senator made the decision after weighing the pros and cons.

“They have reached the point of no return,” a source said.

The STAR reported that Crsitine left the conjugal home in December 2010, leaving Chiz to care for their twins.

Despite the reported separation, no third party was involved in the split-up even if Cristine has reportedly been seen in public with a member of a dance group.