Gibo submits to Lakas-Kampi-CMD selection process

MANILA, Philippines - Unfazed by the stiff competition he faces in his presidential bid, Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said yesterday he is submitting himself to the selection process that will be crafted by the administration-backed Lakas-Kampi -CMD in the scheduled meeting of the merged parties on Sept. 14.

Teodoro told STAR editors yesterday his name has been submitted for nomination by supporters composed largely of various people’s organizations and local government officials from the Lakas-Kampi-CMD who have expressed their support for his presidential bid.

“I’m submitting myself to the process. Many people want my name to be included in the (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) process,” he said.

The defense secretary disclosed the Lakas-Kampi-CMD set the organizational meeting for this purpose on Sept. 14 to agree on the process of selection before calling for the actual convention of the parties to pick the administration’s presidential standard-bearer in next year’s elections.

Although he is leaving for the United States to make a reciprocal visit to his American counterpart US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Sept. 7, Teodoro said he will be back on Sept. 14 to attend the convention of Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Teodoro clarified reports that President Arroyo has supposedly already picked Vice President Noli de Castro as her “anointed” presidential candidate for the May 2010 elections.

“The President invited him (Noli) to join Lakas-Kampi -CMD and be part of the process (for the selection of presidential standard-bearer),” he pointed out.

Teodoro welcomed the President’s invitation to De Castro to join Lakas-Kampi-CMD. The defense chief had earlier taken his oath as member of the newly merged pro-administration parties.

“I think that’s healthy. The more choices given to the people, the better,” he said.

Teodoro, however, conceded that this selection process remains uncertain until the Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules on the petition against the merger filed by former House speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.

“I don’t know what will happen if the Comelec un-merges it (Lakas-Kampi-CMD),” he admitted.

Teodoro though remains unperturbed over the single-digit survey rating he has been getting compared to De Castro who is faring better in both the Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia mock polls among the declared presidential aspirants.

He believes his rating will improve once the Lakas-Kampi-CMD comes out with the administration’s standard-bearer.

“There’s no way (to go) but up,” Teodoro quipped.

He likewise said it is “interesting to watch what will happen” following the decision of Liberal Party presidential aspirant Sen. Mar Roxas II to withdraw in favor of his partymate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

“Filipinos are now watching for more developments. It’s too early still. Until the last day of the filing of certificates of candidacy, we shall see,” Teodoro said.

He said the administration does not see Noynoy’s candidacy as a threat to the administration’s bid in the presidential race.

“Its effect is on the opposition. The administration has a solid base. We anticipate there will be more movements or there could even be more fallouts,” Teodoro stressed.

Teodoro though admitted being piqued by the tirades of fellow administration presidential candidate, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando, who has repeatedly been quoted as saying Lakas-CMD should pick an “original” and “loyal” member of the party to become its presidential standard-bearer instead of one who belatedly joined the administration party.

“That’s unfair. You can’t force people to like you. It does not follow if you’re original member, you will get it (nomination). It’s up to the individual party members and not forcing the choice (on) them,” Teodoro fumed.

“Instead of a unifying factor, he (BF) is causing division,” he charged.