Key political figures in Bicol and Southern Luzon provinces are confident that Lakas-Kampi-CMD- presidential bet Gilberto “Gibo’’ Teodoro Jr. will win big in their respective areas in the May 10 elections.
Albay Governor Jose Clemente "Joey" Salceda said he sees Teodoro winning with a big margin in his province, citing the overwhelming support for the former Defense chief from the province's incumbent elective officials.
"Bicolanos tend to vote one way. We are very clannish and when you convince the majority of the voters you will win with a big margin,” Salceda said.
Salceda, former lawmaker and presidentuial chief of staff, said that Teodoro drew the attention of the majority of the officials in Albay.
"In Albay, 85 out of 87 political leaders showed up when Gibo went for a visit including the officials of the SK (Samahang Kabataan) federation, the Associate of Barangay Chairmen, all the board members, city mayors, town mayors and incumbent council officials,” he said.
Salceda said Teodoro's handling of the crisis faced by the province in the past when Teodoro was still the National Disaster Coordination Council (NDCC) chairman allowed the Bicolanos a glimpse into Teodoro's management style.
"Definitely his role as defense secretary when the reconstruction of Mindanao was being undertaken is one of his aces. The people of Albay saw his decisive nature when the province itself was hit by a natural calamity. His response to the critical situation in Albay was very immediate and decisive,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, who is a candidate for the first congressional district of Quezon province, said that Teodoro is emerging as the obvious choice in her province as well as by the thinking Filipinos who are concerned with candidates' qualifications.
Devanadera, also former mayors' league president, pointed out that results of surveys and mock polls in several leading colleges and universities showed Teodoro as the candidate of choice among the students.
“These students are thinkers and idealists. They see Gibo as the best among presidential candidates. I believe that would start the surge of support for him,” the former Justice secretary observed.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/248248/gibo-win-bicol-southern-luzon-seen
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