Gibo, Edu to formalize 2010 bid today

MANILA, Philippines - Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer former defense chief Gilbert Teodoro and running mate former Optical Media Board (OMB) chair and television personality Edu Manzano are filing their certificates of candidacy today, the last filing day, at the head office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Intramuros.

Some of the ruling party’s senatorial candidates are filing their COCs with Teodoro and Manzano.

Before filing, the Lakas tandem will first attend an early morning Mass at the Manila Cathedral with their families and supporters.

Teodoro’s partymates and supporters around the country are also offering masses for a “peaceful and honest election” next year.

Some 2,000 supporters and relatives will link arms with Teodoro and Manzano in a short march from the Manila Cathedral to the Comelec office at 7:45 a.m.

Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay, one of Teodoro’s staunch supporters, said they are looking for non-traditional ways of widening Teodoro’s voter base.

She said the administration candidate has a strong appeal especially among new voters who are looking for strong leadership and intelligence.

“We are looking at a non-traditional way of reaching voters through the Internet,” Magsaysay said.

On Saturday, Teodoro virtually wooed Cordillera folk by paying homage to their language and culture. 

Teodoro was a guest speaker at the WOW Philippines Cordilleras’ Best 2009, a tourism festival held at the Melvin Jones Grandstand in Baguio City.

Teodoro was given ceremonial honors by native Cordillera leaders as an “adopted son of the Cordilleras.”

Speaking in Iluko, the native language of most Northern Luzon provinces, Teodoro pushed for improved tourism in the Cordillera region by making it more accessible to the rest of the country.   – With Artemio Dumlao