INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:53:00 11/26/2009
Filed Under: Election Violence, Maguindanao Massacre, Inquirer Politics
MANILA, Philippines – A day after announcing the expulsion of three members of a powerful political family from the administration party, Lakas-Kampi-CMD, presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro “Gibo” Jr. said he was not afraid of the implications of the party’s decision on his presidential campaign.In a press conference at the Serrano Elementary School in Valenzuela Thursday, Teodoro said he “did not care about politics at this point,” when asked whether he feared getting a zero from vote-rich Maguindanao, bailiwick of Andal Ampatuan Sr., Andal Jr., and Zaldy.
The three were expelled from Lakas Wednesday night after Andal Jr. was linked to the massacre in Maguindanao last November 23 that claimed the lives of at least 57 people, including 18 journalists.
"The integrity of state institutions is at stake. I really don't care about politics at this point," Teodoro said.
He said that the expulsion of the Ampatuans from Lakas-Kampi CMD was their party's way of "symbolically condemning" the atrocity being attributed to the political clan.
"This gives a strong signal and strong position of the sentiment of the people," Teodoro said.
"Masama magsawalang kibo [It's bad to keep quiet]," the former Defense Secretary said.
Teodoro said that at around July or August of this year, upon the request of the Ampatuans and political rival Mangudadatus, he met with them. They "promised not to fight each other" and reiterated that promise to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he added.
The Ampatuan clan was allegedly behind Monday's massacre of at least 57 persons, including relatives and supporters tasked to file the certificate of candidacy of Buluan Vice Mayor and Maguindanao gubernatorial aspirant Toto Mangudadatu, and members of the media covering the event.
Mangudadatu was to challenge Ampatuan, Sr. for the gubernatorial post.
Critics of the administration questioned Arroyo's lack of a firm hand in dealing with the Ampatuans and questioned why the three suspected masterminds of the atrocity have not been arrested despite the evidence and testimonies against them.
Meanwhile, Teodoro urged the Ampatuan's to surrender to proper authorities.
"Being public officials, their duty is clear, they should submit themselves," Teodoro said.
The Ampatuans, known supporters of Arroyo and for their heavy political clout in Maguindanao, delivered landslide votes for the administration's candidates in the 2004 and 2007 elections.
Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091126-238507/Teodoro-I-dont-care-about-politics-at-this-point
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