Teodoro backs Villar over P20 dole-out to kids

By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:29:00
02/28/2010



Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Elections, Politics


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100228-255861/Teodoro-backs-Villar-over-P20-dole-out-to-kids


BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Senator Manny Villar, who was criticized for handing out P20 to children during a campaign sortie, has found an ally in one of his rivals in the May 2010 presidential race, administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro.

Teodoro said he would do the same thing to a hungry child, who would ask money from him but said, this act should not become a habit of candidates.

“If there is pattern or conduct, then that's different. It depends on the circumstances, let's not preempt the Comelec (Commission on Elections) on that,” he told reporters in an interview here on Sunday.

The Comelec had said that the act could constitute vote-buying.

Villar said he gave the kids the money when he campaigned in Batangas because they were hungry and wanted to eat camote.

“That really depends on the circumstances, let's say may isang pulubi na hindi pa kumakain tapos ikaw hindi mo naman intensyon na ipakita sa media o sa tao, binigyan mo ng P20 dahil kawanggawa mo na lang, medyo unfair naman iyon (Let's say there's a beggar who has yet to eat, and you gave him P20 out of charity, and it was not your intention to show it to the media or the public, then it's unfair [to accuse the candidate of vote-buying]),” Teodoro said.

Asked if he would do the same when faced with the same situation, he said, “Depende. Kung may pulubi na nagugutom, and at that time hindi pa nakakakain, bakit hindi mo naman tutulungan? (It depends. If there is a beggar and he is hungry and if at that time he has yet to eat, why would I not help him?),” he said.

Teodoro said it was up to the Comelec to judge Villar's act and determine if he violated any election laws.


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100228-255861/Teodoro-backs-Villar-over-P20-dole-out-to-kids