Gibo Picks Edu Manzano as Running Mate

November 13, 2009

Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, the Lakas-Kampi CMD’s presidential candidate in the May 2010 elections,  yesterday picked TV host and former Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman Edu Manzano as his running mate, with both of them citing the key role played by Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno in forging the powerhouse tandem.

Manzano thanked both Teodoro and Puno for their trust and confidence in him, following his acceptance of the offer to be the Lakas-Kampi CMD’s vice presidential candidate.

Teodoro said that he and Manzano share a common vision, which is to bring the Philippines back to its status as an economic powerhouse in the region.

“When I talked to Edu, walang conditions siyang binigay and he said  I’m willing to support you  all the way, 100 percent,”  Teodoro said. “Ang loyalty na ganyan ang katangian ng isang mabuting Pilipino. Ako po ay tuwang tuwa  at nagagalak na tinanggap ng ating katambalan ang aking alok sa pamamagitan ni Secretary Puno na maging kandidato sa pagka-bise presidente ng aming partido.”

Giving a preview of what the administration’s slogan would be during the campaign, Teodoro said: “Pag-asa at kinabukasan sa tambalang Teodoro at  Manzano sa ilalim ng Lakas-Kampi CMD!”

Teodoro said that while both he and Manzano are political neophytes compared to the other candidates for national positions, their strong points rest on their qualifications, dedication to move the country forward and pristine track records devoid of any allegations of corruption or wrongdoing.

“We have the best candidates. Feeling ko talaga I’m in the middle of history here,” Puno said. “Now I know that my decision to set aside my plans to run for vice president was the right thing to do. We have come up with the right formula.”

Manzano for his part, said that Puno played a “big role” in convincing him to accept Teodoro’s offer.

“Many of you may not be of the  knowledge that Secretary Puno  has been like a mentor to me,” Manzano said . “Sabi niya  kausapan mo si Gibo.  i believe he possesses the qualities needed to move this country forward. I want to be part of his team.”

“So Secretary Teodoro, maraming salamat sa pagtitiwala, at Secretary Puno maraming salamat,” Manzano added.

Puno said that he was among the first Cabinet members to have raised the possibility of Teodoro as the administration’s presidential bet in 2010, citing the sterling qualifications of the young secretary and his potentials as a national leader.

As such, Puno said he felt it was his obligation to help Teodoro, including in finding a suitable running mate, especially after  he formally withdrew his bid for the vice presidency under the administration Lakas-Kampi.

“The challenges of a campaign are great but the challenges of running a country are even greater.... I felt that it was my obligation after initiating the candidacy of Secretary Teodoro to help him find a partner that would help him bring the country to prosperity and success,” Puno said.

Puno said he had asked the permission of Teodoro to open talks with Manzano, whom he had known for a long time and helped in both his political and personal careers.

 “Am I totally committed to them? Yes,” Puno said.