MANILA, Philippines – Bagumbayan presidential bet Sen. Richard Gordon yesterday said Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilberto Teodoro Jr. should have gained more experience in executive duties before running for the highest position in the land.
“He is still young and he is coming up too fast. His chances are as good as anybody else’s,” he said during a campaign sortie in Lucena City.
Gordon said Teodoro should have capitalized on strong political experience instead of relying too much on the support of his political party.
“He cannot really rely on the politics of the Philippines which is now bad to the core,” Gordon said.
Teodoro had denied rumors that he is backing out of the presidential race because his political party lacks support from top administration officials.
The rumors started after Teodoro resigned as Lakas chairman purportedly to concentrate on his campaign.
His resignation triggered the departure of party leaders including Lakas president Sarangani Gov. Miguel Dominguez and party secretary-general Francis Manglapus, compounding speculations that Lakas is indeed troubled.
There are also speculations that First Gentleman Mike Arroyo is supporting Nacionalista presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Villar in secret, the supposed reason why the administration party is lacking campaign funds.
Villar had denied allegations that he is getting support from the First Couple, saying his party spends for the entire campaign.
Gordon dismissed Villar’s statement.
“I know him (Sen. Villar). He is lying,” Gordon said.