Teodoro counting on Lakas' political machinery

MANILA, Philippines - Former defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. shrugged off his poor showing in the surveys and said he is counting on the local political machinery of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD that he now heads to propel his presidential bid.

Speaking at the “Ikaw Na Ba: The Presidential Interview” on radio station dzBB yesterday morning, Teodoro emphasized that he is leaving his political fate to the sound judgment of the Filipino people.

“I am banking on the support coming from our national and local political machinery and to the sound judgment of the Filipino people to choose their next leader,” he said.

Earlier, Teodoro stressed that his low survey rating is not the actual result of the May 10 presidential elections, adding that he expected his rating to continue to improve due to his exposure and the presence of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD political machinery, especially at the local level.

Teodoro has been the consistent favorite of young voters as shown by his domination in mock elections held in big schools like the University of the Philippines, Ateneo and De La Salle.

“I have faith in their (voters) ability to judge. If they think it’s me, then I’ll accept it,” he said.

Teodoro added that he is not affected by the rumored “discreet” alliance between President Arroyo and Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential bet Sen. Manuel Villar.

He said there is no need to discuss the matter with President Arroyo and that he was his own man.

“The Villarroyo issue is just a political rumor. That is just a spin because it’s the political season. But I am not insecure with those rumors because I am the one selling myself to the public because I am the candidate,” Teodoro said in Filipino, adding that the President once in a while offers advise on how to run his campaign.

He said that under his presidency, he will employ the “carrot and stick” approach in addressing massive corruption in government.

He expressed his intention to reward government employees who are performing well and to punish erring public servants.

Teodoro emphasized that he will fight corruption by ensuring transparency in government contracts, especially for big-ticket infrastructure items, through private sector watchdogs that will monitor the bidding and implementation of these projects.