Gibo sees victory in May 10 election

CEBU, Philippines - Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro sees a victory on May 10 as 134 congressmen and 44 governors in the country have reaffirmed their commitment to support his candidacy.

In a gathering at Marco Polo Hotel, a Cebu Declaration read by Lanao del Norte Governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo said Teodoro never engaged in the politics of hate, standing out as the face, voice, hope, and the torch-bearer of new politics that “will put an end to divisiveness and that in our country.”

  “Teodoro has quietly attracted millions of Filipinos from all walks of life who now form the coalition of hope across the nation-the youths, students, farmers, fisherfolk, urban and rural poor, professionals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, local and regional political leaders,” the declaration reads.

Lakas-Kampi president, Mindoro Occidental Rep. Amelita Villarosa, said more congressmen and governors are supporting Teodoro.

“Ang alam ko mas marami pa,” Villarosa said, adding that several congressmen and governors were not able to attend the gathering due to non-availability of transportation.

Teodoro also gained the support of Cebu’s more than 1,000 barangay captains, who held a general assembly yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center.

Teodoro said the Cebu Declaration would serve as a roadmap for development in the country.

“This is not a support for Teodoro alone but a support for a working government for this country,” he said in his speech.

The declaration stressed that no other candidate for president comes close to Teodoro in his keen grasp of issues, saying he is committed to strengthening the society.

“We now call upon this coalition of hope-this silent majority that is the backbone of our movement-to rise up, to signify your choice for president in public and to vote your conscience on May 10,” it said.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said those who gathered yesterday were not just politicians but real public servants.

“We managed to remind the country and ourselves that word of honor still exists especially in politics. A new age of politics that would reclaimed the people’s trust on us because we have palabra de honor. We will prove our leadership not just for our own personal victories but for Gibo,” Garcia said.

Teodoro, who wore light green polo shirt, was greeted by volunteers shouting “Go, Gibo! Go, Gibo!” as he entered the hallways of the Marco Polo Plaza.

Elous Tejada, co-chairwoman of pro-Teodoro Green Team, said they come from all walks of life. “Our team (called) Green Team is entirely a multi-sectoral party.”

She said they are targeting two million votes for Teodoro in Cebu, claiming that 90 percent of the voters in province are for Teodoro.

 Tejada added that the one million votes that Garcia promised to deliver for Teodor is too small.

Today, Green Team will hold a caravan to the north.

Before the program ended, copies of a news report about Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino undergoing psychiatric treatment in the United States were circulated.

Teodoro declined to comment on Aquino’s alleged psychiatric treatment.

After his appearance at the Marco Polo Plaza, Teodoro proceeded to the CICC to meet with barangay captains in the province who were holding their general assembly

Garcia has pledged support for Teodoro. Another local party, Barug, also promised to support Lakas.

Garcia said this period in the election season is dangerous for political turncoats who may burn their bridges if they decide to defect to other political parties.

“Switching alliances and loyalties at this time will be a political suicide. Look at those who have already switched sides, they are now being treated like pariahs and lepers,” Garcia said.

The meeting was organized by Villarosa to extract assurances from members that they will deliver votes for Teodoro and the rest of the Lakas slate.

“We have to be focused with our objectives to win these elections. Other parties are courting us because they know we are strong. I hope this time none will defect to other parties. I hope this time, there will be no more defections, like what happened in Dusit,” she said.

Villarosa also assured all members that the party will give them logistics and financial support.

Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez promised to remain with Lakas.

“No matter what we will support and deliver the winning votes for Gibo. Like in my province in Aklan along with Rep. Miraflores (Florencio) we are for Gibo,” Marquez said.

Iloilo first District Rep. Janeth Garin likewise affirmed support for the party.

“Our loyalty remains to the party and in its ideals and principles. We declare this and we will do it. We will support our presidential candidate and the entire slate,” she said. (FREEMAN NEWS)