Lakas leaders reaffirm support for Gibo

CEBU CITY , Philippines  – Nine days before the elections, 110 lawmakers and 28 governors of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD reaffirmed their support for administration standard-bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.

Members of the ruling party gathered at the Marco Polo Hotel yesterday, the second loyalty check meeting this month.

The first meeting held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City two weeks ago did not turn out well because several Lakas members left the party hours after pledging their allegiance.

The second meeting was held here because Teodoro is believed to have a strong following in the city.

Local party One Cebu, headed by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has pledged support for Teodoro. Another local party, Barug also promised to support Lakas.

Garcia said this period in the election season is dangerous for political turncoats who may burn their bridges if they decide to defect to other political parties.

“Switching alliances and loyalties at this time will be a political suicide. Look at those who have already switched sides, they are now being treated like pariahs and lepers,” Garcia said.

The meeting was organized by Mindoro Occidental Rep. Amelita Villarosa to extract assurances from members that they will deliver votes for Teodoro and the rest of the Lakas slate.

“We have to be focused with our objectives to win these elections. Other parties are courting us because they know we are strong. I hope this time none will defect to other parties. I hope this time, there will be no more defections, like what happened in Dusit,” she said.