By Delfin Mallari Jr.Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 18:52:00 12/27/2009
Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Politics
Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091227-244190/Enrile-If-not-Estrada-its-Teodoro-for-me
LUCENA CITY, Philippines – Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile acknowledged on Sunday that administration presidential bet Gilbert Teodoro could become a good president.
“If only I don’t have a commitment to my party, there’s no doubt that I will be one of his (Teodoro) followers and supporters,” said Enrile when he spoke before the assembly here of Quezon local officials from administration’s Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats.
Enrile is a member of Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) and a long time ally of the party’s standard bearer, former president Joseph Estrada.
Speaking to reporters after the event, the Senate leader added that, “If Erap is not my partymate, I will be with Gibo (Teodoro’s nickname).”
Asked to choose, who would be the best between the two presidential candidates, Enrile declined to categorically answer, saying, “Both of them are good."
Enrile recognized that if Teodoro will be given a chance by the Filipino people to lead the country, “We can all peacefully sleep knowing that the government is being steered by good hands.”
But the Senate leader immediately clarified that he was still rooting for Estrada.
“Same with Erap, there’s no doubt that he can also effectively run the government because he once held the same position. Unfortunately, he encountered problems that cut short his term of office. But let us not talk about it anymore. That’s already part of our history,” he said.
Among all presidential aspirants, Enrile said, Estrada and Teodoro would be the top two choices of the Filipino people.
“Gibo has the brains, knowledge and experience to lead the government. I’m just telling the truth here,” he said, saying he was saddened that Teodoro was with another party.
Enrile also predicted a solid Ilocano vote for Teodoro, which was once enjoyed by deposed President Ferdinand Marcos. “He speaks fluent Ilocano much better than I could,” he said.
Teodoro, who was also in Quezon province on Sunday, played coy when asked about Enrile’s virtual endorsement, pointing out Enrile’s ties to a rival party.
“But for someone with the stature of Senator
Enrile, it’s a great honor for me.” Teodoro told newsmen.
The administration presidential bet said he learned a lot from the senator in all aspects of governance. “I respect him that much,” he said.
Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091227-244190/Enrile-If-not-Estrada-its-Teodoro-for-me
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