Gibo stands as wedding sponsor of Chavit's son

SAN FERNANDO, La Union , Philippines  – Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. stood as one of the principal sponsors in the wedding of a son of former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson yesterday afternoon, dousing off speculations that the political kingpin in the province is having second thoughts in endorsing his presidential bid.

The wedding of Singson’s son Ryan and Patricia Savellano in Candon City, Ilocos Sur was, however, declared off-limits to the media.

There is talk that Singson, deputy national security adviser, will support Sen. Manuel Villar, whose presidential bid is now openly backed by his friend, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

Teodoro, however, maintained that his being one of the wedding sponsors of Singson’s son had nothing to do with his presidential bid.

“It was long set by Ryan himself,” he said, adding that he would respect whatever is the decision of the local party.

Teodoro said Singson and his allies in Ilocos Sur have yet to decide on who they will support in the presidential race, “a process that should be respected.”       

Asked if he is threatened by Villar who has gotten the support of Pacquiao, one of Singson’s closest friends, Teodoro replied that he is not.

“We have to work for each and every vote, I mean until to the last day (of the campaign),” he said.

La Union Rep. Victor Ortega said the fact that Teodoro stood as a wedding sponsor for Singson’s son is enough to determine who the former governor would support.

“You draw your own conclusion,” Ortega said.

For his part, former Justice Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III, who hails from Santa, Ilocos Sur, said they would work hard to get the endorsement of Singson for their entire team.

Bello, a senatorial candidate of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, accompanied Teodoro here for the opening of the La Union trade fair.