Gwen backs Gibo

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday endorsed the candidacy of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. at the convention of the One Cebu Party.

“One Cebu is proud to give its full and unequivocal support to the next president of the Republic of the Philippines... the  young, the brilliant, the dynamic Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro,” Garcia, party president, said at the convention held at the Cebu International Convention Center.

Cebu, one of the most populated provinces in the country, is expected to greatly affect the outcome of the 2010 national elections. 

“The man (Teodoro) has come and at no better time for us and the times have never been as right as now,” Garcia declared.

The Cebu governor described the ex-defense chief as the “most competent and most intelligent” of all the presidential candidates.

Teodoro, in jeans and a white sports shirt emblazoned with the logo of One Cebu Party, waved and flashed a big smile at more than 3,000 delegates from all over the province.

He credited Garcia’s leadership for making the province one of the best performing in the country.

He said Cebu’s economic program under her administration must continue as the province continues to contribute to national development.

Teodoro pledged to double his efforts in other provinces to earn their trust similar to the support given him by One Cebu Party.

At the celebration of the Binirayan Festival in Antique in December last year, Garcia participated in the re-enactment of the arrival of the 10 Bornean Datus in the province by playing the role of Dayang Kapinangan, the wife of Datu Sumakwel, played by Teodoro.

In local legends, Datu Sumakwel is the wisest of the 10 Bornean Datus.

“I will never abandon my Datu Sumakwel,” Garcia answered when asked if being a Dayang to Sumakwel can be translated into full political support for Teodoro in the 2010 polls.

Ebdane sets  proclamation rally

Former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane,  together with his broad coalition  of supporters, will formally announce today his intention to run in the 2010 race  in his proclamation rally in  Quezon City.

The people’s organizations, led by the Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka, is set to launch the Ebdane for President Movement at the UP Bahay ng Alumni today, a day before Bonifacio Day.

About 2,000 multi-sectoral leaders and key officers from various regions are expected to attend to the proclamation of Ebdane’s candidacy, the announcement of his running mate as well as his senatorial slate.

They vowed to turn the proclamation rally into a big event to marshal votes for Ebdane.

Sources privy to the conversation within the coalition said Ebdane’s senatorial lineup includes former Comelec commissioner Mehor Sadain and alternative energy advocate Rod Cabrera.