Teodoro vows not to desert political party

MANILA, Philippines - Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. assured supporters who showed up at his campaign rally in Mandaluyong City Friday night that he will not desert his political party for whatever considerations.

This as former President Joseph Estrada said he is open to talks with Teodoro for a possible alliance between their camps.

Teodoro gave the assurance that he will not leave Lakas in the wake of persistent reports that aside from House Speaker Prospero Nograles, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales III, other key Lakas-Kampi-CMD leaders are about to switch either to the Liberal Party (LP) of Sen. Benigno Aquino III or the Nacionalista Party (NP) of Sen. Manuel Villar.

“First and foremost, I’m running to win this election. Secondly, I have a party to support, which I will not desert. This is beyond me already. It’s for Mayor Benhur (Abalos), his constituents, for the senators, for Edu (Manzano, his running mate), for the volunteers. It can’t be compromised,” Teodoro stressed.

The proclamation rally was led by city Mayor Benhur Abalos and attended by around 30,000 supporters.

Teodoro made clear, however, that he does not hold grudges against those who have defected to other parties.

Asked if he would tell partymates whose loyalty is perceived to be shaky to just resign from the party, Teodoro said this decision should come from the party leadership and not from him.

Possible alliance

Estrada, on the other hand, yesterday said: “We are open to talks with Secretary Teodoro if he wants to talk to us. Our doors are open to whoever is willing to work with us.”

The former President, however, was quick to tell reporters during sorties in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya that there’s no truth to rumors that there are ongoing talks between him and Teodoro.

Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino and Teodoro are consistently third and fourth, respectively, in presidential surveys, behind LP standard-bearer Aquino and NP’s Villar. – With Charlie Lagasca, Non Alquitran