http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/256899/teodoro-accepts-defeat-congratulates-cousin-aquino Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has conceded defeat to his cousin, Liberal Party standard bearer Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, less than 18 hours after the tallying of votes for the presidential race began as he expressed hope that his administration will be anchored on justice and progress and not just on mere political vengeance.
“Awa ng Diyos ito ay naging matihimik at mapayapa. Sa aking palagay, ang ating bayan, meron na silang napili na bagong pangulo ng republika ng pilipinas at ako ay bumabati kay Senator Aquino sa naging resulta. (We thank God that the elections was peaceful and orderly. In my opinion, our countrymen have chosen our new president of the Republic of the Philippines and I am now congratulating Senator Aquino for the election results),” the 45-year-old Teodoro said.
“Ako ay nananalig na sana tayo ang magkaroon ng gobyerno na magiging hustisiya ang batayaan at hindi bengansiya (I am hoping that we will have a government that will pursue justice and not political vengeance),” he added.
Surrounded by Lakas-Kampi-CMD stalwarts that included the party president Francis Manglapus; secretary general Raymundo Roquero, deputy secretary general Reggie Velasco, and Teodoro’s campaign spokesperson Lawyer Mike Toledo, the former Defense secretary expressed gratitude to his party mates and political supporters who believed in his platform of governance.
Clad in his signature light green polo shirt and denim pants, Teodoro appeared upbeat when he arrived at the Lakas-Kampi-CMD Headquarters in Greenhills area in San Juan, claiming that he has a clear conscience when he endured the campaign for the presidential derby.
Teodoro said the next government should continue pursuing a genuine reform on the country’s political system, to include constitutional changes and policies that would encourage unity among the Filipinos.
Teodoro, who is running fourth on the computerized tallying of votes by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), said that he talked his wife, Rep. Monica “Nikki” Prieto Teodoro (2nd District, Tarlac), and Manglapus before he reached his decision to concede defeat to Aquino.
He also thanked members of his family, including his 10-year-old son Jaime, for sticking with him in his quest for instituting reforms in the government by running for the highest position in the land.
“Ang laban na ito ay hindi para manalo si Gibo. Sadya naming inilunsad ang kampanya na nangingibabaw ang puri, pagmamahal, at respecto sa ating mga kababayan upang maisulong ang isang ideya laban sa isang bulok na sistema. (This election is not about victory of Gibo. We launched this campaign in order to promote purity, love, and respect among us so we can pursue reforms against a rotten political system),” he emphasized.
Teodoro called on the citizenry to unite to be able to promote a principled politics that he has started when he sought the presidency.
After the presidential elections, Teodoro claims that he now feels lighter because he is not emboldened on patronage politics.
“Hindi na ako naninilbihan sa iba kung 'di sa sarili ko nang konsiyensiya. (Unlike before when I am serving the interest of others, now I will only be heeding to the dictates of my conscience),” he stressed.
When asked if he would accept a position in the government after his defeat in the May 10 elections, Teodoro replied: “I have fought for principles and not for my self interest.”
He emphasized that he now wants to enjoy a private life when he can talk freely and criticize the wrong doings of erring government people. “Because when I was still in the government, I have no freedom (to do and say what I want),” he explained.