MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo’s Cabinet men are under instructions to “campaign hard” for administration presidential bet and survey tail-ender Gilbert Teodoro Jr.
“Campaign hard for the best bet, which is Gibo (Teodoro),” Public Works Secretary Victor Domingo quoted Mrs. Arroyo as telling her officials during a recent Cabinet meeting in Baguio City. Teodoro’s nickname is Gibo.
But Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, who was also at the Cabinet meeting, denied the President ever issued such instruction.
“Maybe that’s the impression of Secretary Domingo,” Remonde said at a separate press conference.
“I think a directive like that need not be issued because if you belong to the Cabinet, to this administration, which has chosen its standard-bearer very democratically, I think it goes without being told that you will help in your personal capacity,” Remonde said.
The ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD leadership is also confident of Teodoro’s chances in next year’s elections despite his poor showing in surveys.
“Don’t count Gibo and Lakas-Kampi-CMD out of the race. Popularity isn’t the only basis for choosing a leader,” Lakas national president and Sarangani Gov. Miguel Dominguez said.
“With a majority of provinces, cities, and municipalities supporting Gibo because of his leadership qualities, competence, integrity, the electorate will make an intelligent choice in the next five months,” he said.
Dominguez noted that Teodoro has done remarkably well in surveys conducted at the University of the Philippines and among members of the Makati Business Club - institutions that are generally perceived to be unsympathetic to Mrs. Arroyo.
“Those surveyed in these areas are convinced that Gibo should be the next president despite the prevailing anti GMA sentiments,” he said.
“People need only hear Gibo speak to know that he is the most competent and qualified among the candidates in next year’s elections,” the Lakas official said.
“Voters even in past elections have showed that they will no longer be swayed by empty promises heralded in billions of pesos worth of advertisements by candidates who claim to be pro-poor but have not made a single pronouncement as to his plans for governance,” he pointed out.
He also emphasized that the administration party machinery “has remained intact and will again deliver victory next year.”
Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, Teodoro’s spokesperson, said it’s still too early to count the Lakas standard-bearer out of the race. – With Jaime Laude