Ilocanos back Gibo

MANILA, Philippines - Politicians and students in Ilocos have expressed support for the candidacy of administration presidential bet and former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., saying he has the integrity and the qualities of an effective leader.

They, however, admitted that more should be done to introduce him to voters in their province and to inform them about his platform.

“Ilocos Sur is in full support of Gibo,” Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano said in a statement sent by Teodoro’s media bureau yesterday.

“Okay si Gibo, madali siyang ibenta. Kailangan lang marinig siya ng mga tao. Siya ang nakikita naming leader na makakatulong sa Ilocos Sur,” he said.

Savellano and Vice Gov. Jerry Singson said Teodoro’s “superior trait” make it easy to sell him especially to the young voters. Rep. Ronald Singson, who represents Ilocos Sur’s first district, also backed Teodoro’s presidential bid.

The vice governor and congressman are the brother and son, respectively, of former Ilocos Sur Gov. and national security deputy adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson.

For his part, University of Northern Philippines (UNP) student council president Cesar Bonillo Jr. said students have confidence in Teodoro, whom he described as “a principled man and an effective leader” who “listens and looks after the welfare of the youth.”

Leaders in Ilocos Norte also backed the candidacy of the former defense chief. 

Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael Marcos Keon said 17 of the province’s 23 mayors are supportive of Teodoro and believes that he has strong chances of winning in the province. These mayors all belong to Teodoro’s party, the Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats

Mayor Francis Espiritu of Dumalneg said the mayors believe in Teodoro’s advocacies and in his capabilities.  

Teodoro recently visited Ilocos Norte to take part in activities marking the 192nd anniversary of the province. He also interacted with students from Primacare Training and Development Center, Data Center Philippines, AMA Computer College and the Systems Technology Institute-at the Pacific Life building.

The presidential bet then flew to Vigan, Ilocos Sur to meet with local leaders at the Baluarte compound of Chavit Singson and to talk to students of UNP.