Laguna execs, Bulacan NGOs back Teodoro's Palace bid

MANILA, Philippines - Laguna Gov. Teresita “Ningning” Lazaro has publicly announced her commitment of support to the presidential bid of former defense chief, and Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.

Lazaro has joined the growing ranks of provincial and local executives who have already pledged their support to Teodoro’s candidacy in the May national elections next year.

Earlier, key regional political figures as well as provincial and local officials in Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan, Ilocos, Tuguegarao, Albay and Abra have joined Teodoro’s presidential bandwagon.

Lazaro said that most of Laguna’s key officials have opted to support the former Defense chief because they see him as the only one among the presidential wannabes who have a clear platform of government.

Lazaro cited Teodoro’s strong advocacy for modernization of the country’s education system, improve the Filipinos’ entrepreneurial skills, create a comprehensive medical care system so that the marginalized sector can avail of quality medical services, and devote more resources to the Philippines’ research and development departments so that the country can get back to technological roadmap aside from devoting more resources to improve the communication and road facilities in rural areas.

“Aside from being more intellectually superior than his other opponents, Teodoro, a 1989 Bar topnotcher and Harvard-trained lawyer, has shown us his leadership skills during his tenure as Defense secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) chair where he spearheaded relief and recovery operations in the aftermath of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng which enabled thousands of our countrymen to get back on their feet immediately,” the Laguna governor said.

“With those sterling qualifications, Secretary Teodoro deserves all support to enable him to be elected to Malacañang,” she added.

The governor assured that majority of Laguna’s local executives and voting population of nearly a million are all for “Gibo” in the May elections.

“My constituents believe that Secretary Teodoro’s program of providing more infrastructure projects to rural areas, which Laguna is a part, will be the most effective stimulant in improving our country’s economy,” Lazaro said.

Additionally, four of San Juan Del Monte, Bulacan’s largest non-government organizations vowed to actively campaign for Teodoro in next year’s national elections.

The “Aking Dangal at Kalinga Inc.,” SS-ABR, “DMTK Lingap ng Kababaihan,” and “Buhay San Joseño,” with a total membership of more than 50,000, are now rallying behind Teodoro’s presidential bid.

The non-government organizations are instrumental in assisting marginalized women and families in San Juan del Monte to get back on their feet through the provision of educational and livelihood grants.

“There is no alternative candidate for the presidency but Secretary Teodoro. His scholastic and managerial records speak well on how capable he is of running the country,” DMTK founding chair Rida Robes said.

Robes noted that Teodoro’s platform of government is the best among the other presidential candidates as it clearly illustrates what actions “Gibo” will take in steering the country towards a new level of development.

Robes, wife of San Juan del Monte Rep. Arthur Robes, also pledged to use all of her influence in convincing her townmates to vote for Teodoro.

“It may be hard work but I think we will be helping our country if we vote a good man like Secretary Teodoro to the presidency,” the civil society leader said.