How do you assess Secretary Teodoro's chances of winning the 2010 presidency?

Kaye Antoinette Adviento, Ilocos Sur: He has great chances of winning the 2010 presidency. He is intelligent, has shown integrity in his work, has displayed good leadership skills, and loves his country.

Rowena Remiendo, Makati City: No way. He’s a very courageous guy for running under the PGMA administration. Is he so blind and insensitive to know how people feel about our present administration?

Gibo will be the next President

Ellaine Academia, Negros Oriental: I strongly believe that Gibo will win because, with his credentials, he is the best among the candidates and can handle the job excellently. He can also speak very intelligently, and can convince foreign investors to invest in the country. This is one of the important traits a president should have.

Mark Capistrano, Parañaque City: He will be our next president. He has the best website so far. He also posts on Facebook regularly. He will be a runaway winner in an open debate. Most importantly, he has solid credentials.

Rey Onate, Palayan City: With the whole AFP as a source of solid votes, Gibo will trounce his cousin and the man from Tondo.

Jose Sevilla Jr., Quezon City: Sec. Gilbert Teodoro is a sure winner. As the campaign period begins, his star will shine.

Antonio Aguas, Quezon City: For me, Sec. Teodoro is the new blood that Filipinos are looking for.

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: With the disunited opposition, Gibo has the upperhand. Two votes from me and my wife will compliment his first step towards Malacañang.

Erwin Espinoza, Pangasinan: Gibo Teodoro is my presidential bet in 2010. Hindi siya trapo at lalong hindi siya bobo o pang-porma lang. Mayaman pa.

Teodoro will not win

Amadeus Pasimio Plete, Vigan City: Sec. Teodoro has a small chance of winning the 2010 presidency, the two reasons being: First, he is the least popular among the presidentiables. Second, he belongs to a party that supports the administration and many people don’t like them.

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: Gibo Teodoro’s winning in 2010 has the same chances of this Inbox message getting printed on Phil. STAR: 5 per cent. 85 per cent will vote for Erap, 10 per cent for Villar. Wanna bet?

Ed Gulmatico, Yemen: Sec. Teodoro’s overrated qualifications to aspire for the presidency is beyond question. However, if it is a clean and honest election, his chances of winning are nil. Still, looking back to 1992 when the then DND secretary became the winning minority President of the Republic, anything can happen.

Mayee Vicuña, Muntinlupa City: I say, be ready to kiss his political career goodbye. No matter how hard his trumpeteers try to project Gibo as an alternative candidate, like an Obama in the making, it just wouldn’t stick. He has revealed, albeit unconsciously, his true form during the past weeks leading to the Lakas-Kampi CMD national executive committee assembly: Leaving NPC in haste when he saw he was not getting his Uncle Danding’s endorsement, and jockeying for GMA’s attention in his attempt to be anointed by the President. And just look at the crowd converging around him! I don’t think his so-called structural reform is the same reform that we Filipinos have in mind. You know a loser when you see one.

People hardly know him

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: I only heard about him about a month ago. If half the people I know think the same way, I don’t think he has a chance.

Jae Delos Santos, Muntinlupa City: In my own opinion, he has a slim chance of winning the presidency. He has the machinery, but he lacks popularity.

Rose Leobrera, Manila: From the madlang masa, bokya. Who is he anyway? All of a sudden, he became the center of attraction. All of a sudden, a stranger from nowhere wants to be president. Sikat lang siya sa partido, but he lacks the appeal. I see in him a repeat of GMA’s governance. Siyempre pa, bata ni Gloria, so what can we expect?

Zeth Renae Raqueda, Ilocos Sur: There are many factors that can affect his chances of winning. Let’s start with the positive ones: He has a good educational background and his work as Secretary of Defense is going great. All these can be pulled down by negative factors, however, one of which is that he is not that popular. They are not sure whether Teodoro is reliable and trustworthy, because they just heard of him recently, unlike the rest of the already-famous presidentiables who keep airing infomercials about themselves.

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: Yes, he has the looks and intelligence, but he lacks the masa appeal because he lacks exposure. People hardly know him. Anyway, he can still make up for lost time.

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: Pardon me if I ask, but who is he? All I know of him is that he was appointed DND Secretary from nowhere. Is he a relative of the Arroyos?

Mandy Rillon, Metro Manila: Are you insinuating that Gibo is a strong candidate? Hello! He is smart compared to Noynoy, but not necessarily winnable.

Pitts Hizon, Pampanga: Sec. Teodoro’s chances of winning is slim though he’s loaded with talent and money. He’s still short of experience and lack of exposure.

An Obama-like phenomenon

Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City: Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, a former three-term congressman, would make a repeat of Ramon Magsaysay. He is competent, reliable, stable, and morally upright. A UP and Harvard-trained lawyer, Teodoro is in the league of Pres. Medvedev of Russia and Pres. Obama of America. Be it in the physical, mental, emotional or moral dimensions, Sec. Teodoro should lead the pack. We in Mindanao welcome the entry of Mr. Teodoro in the presidential derby.

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: Teodoro outshines all candidates when we look at credentials instead of popularity surveys. He’s in for an Obama-like phenomenon in the US to win.

PGMA’s unpopularity will weigh him down

Romeo Nabong II, Saudi Arabia: In my view, Sec. Teodoro will make an ideal president because of his outstanding qualifications, fine attributes, appropriate age, and abundant resources. But having been attached to an unpopular president, his ambition to replace her boss is in peril. He must convince the electorate that his presidency will not be a continuation of GMA leadership, as perceived by many.

Randolph Hallasgo, Misamis Oriental: Here in Mindanao, his name is not as popular as those of Manny Villar and Joseph Estrada. If he runs for senator, I’ll vote for him. But I won’t vote for him for President. His being an ally of GMA, whose ratings are going down, might affect his chances of winning.

Jose Parco, Aklan: Fat chance. Too bad here’s a person who is well-qualified to become a very effective president, well-educated, well-mannered, well-funded, etc., etc. He has to work double time to catch up with the other eager beavers who have been campaigning for the presidency eons ago! However, his association with the current unpopular administration is such a great weight to carry. It will be the proverbial albatross around his neck!

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: Teodoro committed a blunder by running under the administration party; VP Noli says it’s a kiss of death. How will he deal with the Arroyos and with corruption in government? Leaving it to the court isn’t enough. If Teodoro were to run under his uncle Danding’s NPC, he could have better chances.

Dong Soriano, La Union: He may have the machinery and the support of all administration congressmen, governors, and mayors but the ire of the masses on GMA will pull him down.

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: Just like the Chair Wrecker wrote, he has got two chances: Nil and nothing. Sorry Gibo, you allowed yourself to be tainted with toxic Glo!

Leonard Villa, Batac City: He will lose miserably, because PGMA’s endorsement and support will be Teodoro’s cross, a kiss of death. PGMA is heavy baggage and very hard to carry.

Fortunato Aguirre, Bulacan: His chances are slim. He’s tainted by GMA’s stench. Lastly, he is kulelat in the surveys.

Eufrocino Linsangan, Isabela: Filipinos think that a vote for Gibo Teodoro might mean tuloy ang ligaya for you know who. People are sawa na with this administration. That’s why they will not vote for Sec. Teodoro.

Ric Vergara, Calamba City: Teodoro will bear the brunt of GMA’s unpopularity and his entry will hurt Noynoy’s candidacy. Giba siya sa 2010!

Noel Banias, Makati City: If he can get away from the tag of being GMA’s anointed and be his own man, presenting an alternative government platform other than what the party says, then he would stand a chance of becoming president in 2010.

He has excellent chances

Rod Villar, Iriga City: Considering the intact political machinery of the administration party from the barangay level with more or less 70 per cent of local incumbent officials belonging to Lakas-Kampi-CMD, his good track record as former congressman of Tarlac and incumbent Secretary of the Department of National Defense, his charisma, adherence to social justice for all, and his strong political will to sustain the economic momentum of the country and to further improve the stature of the country in the world stage, I personally believe that he has good chances of winning the presidency in 2010.

Jarel Aubrey Apelin, Vigan City: With a divided opposition and a powerhouse administration banking on well-oiled machinery, Gibo could pull this one off.

Ed Ledesma, Iloilo City: Teodoro has the intellectual stature and the resources.

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: I totally and sincerely believe that Sec. Gibo is a great man and he has a good soul compared to his opponents who constantly whine about the government and actually do nothing much to initiate positive change.

Francis Guevara, Las Piñas City: Sec. Gilbert Teodoro has a good chance of winning the presidency despite surveys saying otherwise. He has the ability to communicate his policies effectively to the Filipino people in different languages. (Besides his fluency and mastery of English, he speaks many local dialects, such as Ilocano, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Cebuano, and Ilonggo.) Lakas-Kampi-CMD is the most organized political party in the country. It will be a huge mistake for people to underestimate Teodoro as a candidate.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: With his educational qualifications, untainted record as congressman, and experience as DND head, plus his vision and initial platform of government, Sec. Teodoro has a strong chance of winning the presidency.

David Lazo Velasco, Metro Manila: If Sec.Teodoro could deflect and satisfactorily explain the administration’s controversies plus maintain majority of local government officials, he will have good chances in 2010.

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: Sec. Gilbert Teodoro oozes with so much youthful brilliance and charisma that he may yet stage an upset in this presidential marathon.

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: People like him have a fair chance of winning the presidency. I like his stand on family planning and the separation of church and state. When talking on any issue, there’s wisdom, sense and logic, unlike one I know who growls incoherently like a cornered beast.

He has a lot of catching up to do

Aldo Apostol, Quezon City: He has an excellent resume, but lacks hands-on experience in leadership. He needs to convince the Filipinos that he’s the man.

R.F. Layug, Metro Manila: I think he has a fair chance of making it, considering that he now belongs to a formidable political party, plus the fact that the opposition is as divided as ever. However, he has a lot of catching up to do. If intelligence and good looks were the only bases for election, then he would be the runaway winner.

Cris Rivera, Rizal: His turncoatism from NPC-Kampi shows his me-first policy. An endorsement from Kampi made it more of an uphill battle for him.

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: With enough funds and resources Gibo is going to fight it out. He’ll be giving a tough competition to the other presidentiables.

Vir Lauzon, General Santos City: Since the elections are many months away, Gibo has more time to catch the frontrunners with a good strategy and plans.

What has he done?

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: Sec. Teodoro is a highly intelligent and educated man. But what exactly has he done to merit the presidency? When he was a member of the Lower House, he led a movement for the impeachment of then Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide, the pride and respected son of Cebu and a move seen as an effort to influence pending cases in the Supreme Court involving the corporation of his relatives. Do we think Cebuanos can easily forget and still vote for him? As Secretary of National Defense, he was a bystander when the MILF almost conned the PGMA administration into giving them independence, if not for the local officials who went to the Supreme Court! Can we believe that the people of Mindanao will vote for him?

A fractious opposition will benefit him

G.M. Baliatan, Rizal: In a contest against three trapos from the opposition, plus Sen. Noynoy, Sec. Teodoro has a very good chance of winning the presidency in 2010.

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: Sec. Teodoro’s chances are about even if pitted against any of the opposition’s bets, but he’ll have an edge if pitted against three or four opposition hopefuls.

Ryan Pahimulin, Rizal: When an army is hopelessly divided and uncoordinated, the other side is the sure winner.

Juan Deveraturda, Zambales: Sec. Teodoro belongs to one of the biggest, well-oiled political parties and one of the wealthiest families in the country. He has an excellent track record in public service and governance. When he spoke before us members of the Philippine Councilors’ League in our convention in Baguio City early this year, I was convinced he could be a good president because he is articulate, has charisma, and has a vision and good plans for the country. With the opposition having two or more candidates running in the elections, Sec. Teodoro has a good chance of winning. My forecast is that it would be an intense and close political battle among him and his cousin, Sen. Noynoy Aquino, and Sen. Villar.

He has the benefit of a war chest

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: In a square fight, Teodoro has no chance. But he’s got PGMA behind him and she’s capable of pulling off tricks.

Sahlee Reyes, Las Piñas City: None, but with PGMA’s well-oiled machinery, he may eventually come out as a dark horse. And don’t forget the blackouts on election day. The administration will surely exhaust the government coffers to the last centavo to ensure Gilbert Teodoro’s chances of winning the highest seat of the land. Nonetheless, I admire Gibo’s glib tongue, which is comparable to Noynoy Aquino. The thing is, Gibo will be indebted to PGMA and he has promised to continue PGMA’s programs. 

William Gonzaga, Marikina City: Sec. Gilberto Teodoro’s chances of winning the 2010 presidential polls remain within reach despite his poor survey ratings. His administration party is confident of final victory as their political machinery is intact and has vast resources to implement their battle plans even via cyber maneuvers to avert possible defeat.

Let’s wait and see

Nony de Leon, Bulacan: I’ll assess the presidential candidates’ chances after Nov. 30 based on their specific programs of government, not just on motherhood statements.

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: After Gibo has filed his candidacy and a survey is done, we’ll know.

Ruben Viray, Antipolo City:  Sec. Teodoro is a credible candidate for the presidency. However, I am skeptical about his tandem with DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno as his running mate. Both noticeably have military and police background. I am anxious that if they both win, martial law may come back. I wish I am mistaken.

Ishmael Calata, Parañaque City: This early, Mr. Teodoro trails behind the known probable candidates, because he is the least known among them. If elections were held today, he would not have a chance. This will be a presidential race where money will flow. Let’s wait until they are on the campaign road.

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: It’s too early to tell. Sec. Teodoro must show to his partymates, especially BF, that he’s worthy of the nomination. Although he is not as popular as the other candidates, it would be interesting to know his position on controversial issues, like the NBN-ZTE deal, the RH Bill, Charter Change, the fertilizer scam, the status of some pre-need companies, graft and corruption in government, foreign debt, increasing population and poverty issues, to name a few.

Anything is possible

Ed Piano, Olongapo City: In my opinion, he has a 23 percent chance of making it. Remember that Ramos made it with 24 per cent. With more candidates in the running, he has a fighting chance.

Dennis Montealto, Mandaluyong City: Anything is possible for any candidate, including Sec. Teodoro. The underdog now can be the top dog later.

Too young to be president

Lucas Madama II, Laguna: He has some credentials but he lacks experience, vision, and direction.

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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