Palace advises more public exposure for presidential hopeful Teodoro

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday urged Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to “expose himself more” so that the public would fully appreciate his accomplishments and improve his chances for the presidency.

Presidential political affairs adviser Gabriel Claudio also said that the Arroyo administration, which is still searching for its standard-bearer for the 2010 elections, was heartened that one of its prospective presidential candidates, Vice President Noli de Castro, continues to have a strong showing in the polls.

De Castro and Teodoro are among those being considered by the Lakas-Kampi-CMD as standard-bearer, though neither is a party member.

Also in the list is Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando, who earlier complained of apparent “favoritism” for non-party members.

Teodoro’s name registered for the first time in the latest Pulse Asia survey of possible presidential candidates but obtained only a one-percent rating.

“We are elated that he (De Castro) is still on top of the charts,” Claudio told a news briefing. “We would like to think this is in recognition of the good work of the Cabinet. He is able to project very well the caring and the work he is exerting to address the concerns of the poor segments of the population.”

He said Teodoro’s accomplishments have yet to be fully appreciated by the public, which explains why his first ratings were at the tail end of the poll.

Claudio said winnability would remain a major factor in choosing the administration’s presidential candidate.

He said he was “surprised and disappointed” by Teodoro’s showing in the polls.

“I don’t think that (rating) was a reflection of the capacity of Secretary Teodoro. Be that as it may, I won’t question the survey,” Claudio said.

The survey was taken “a good year” before the elections so the defense chief has “every time and opportunity to catch up,” he said.

Claudio said Teodoro has “every reason, every opportunity and every determination to make his position and vision better known to the public.”

He said the Lakas-Kampi-CMD national executive committee is set to commence its selection process this month, starting with the establishment of the criteria.

Claudio and Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III also clarified that there was no favoritism, adding that Fernando has every chance to be selected as administration standard-bearer with all his accomplishments.