OPPOSITION Senator Francis Escudero yesterday denied he was the source of a Valentine gift?a small piece of cheese?that was distributed to reporters covering Malaca?ang and the Senate.

?I don?t know where it came from, but it did not come from me,? Escudero told reporters before the start of yesterday?s session.

?We have nothing to do with that. I do not know who this philanthropist is, but I am not angry and I do not take it personally.?

Escudero said the trickery was a sign some people were getting uncomfortable with his emergence as a possible presidential contender in 2010.

?There are times when it is better to be kicked from behind than to be ignored,? Escudero said.

Two other possible presidential candidates?Senators Manuel Villar and Mar Roxas?gifted Senate reporters with chocolates.

In July 2007, Palace reporters received a coffee mug each from someone claiming to be Senator Manuel Villar, and with the message that members of the press corps would soon have coffee with him in Malaca?ang.

Villar denied sending the mugs. Joyce Pangco Pa?ares