Gibo denies he is quitting presidential race

04/04/2010 | 10:41 PM






Original Story: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/187692/gibo-denies-he-is-quitting-presidential-race


Gilberto “Gibo" Teodoro Jr., who recently quit his post as chairman of the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD, on Sunday denied that he is withdrawing from the presidential race.

Teodoro issued the statement to debunk rumors that he would announce his withdrawal at a press conference on Monday. He said the rumors came from “sectors that will cast aside all notions of decency to satiate their salivation and hunger for power through the presidency."

“Unfortunately, such is commonplace in Philippine politics, which reinforces my determination to make a stand, to continue the fight. I will settle for no less than victory. Our people deserve no less," he said.

The former Defense chief quit his post as Lakas-Kampi-CMD chairman allegedly over reports that First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike" Arroyo is supporting the candidacy of Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Manny Villar Jr.

Teodoro denied this, saying he resigned to focus more on his campaign. He constantly ranked fourth in various presidential surveys, behind Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III (Liberal Party), Villar, and former President Joseph Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino).

Aside from Teodoro, two other ranking party officials - Lakas-Kampi-CMD secretary general Francis Manglapus and party president Miguel Dominguez – also resigned from their posts purportedly to give the incoming chairman a free hand in selecting the new officials.

This came in light of the defection of former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit" Singson, Bukidnon Gov. Jose Zubiri, and former Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia from the party.

Still strong, solid

Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said that despite these developments, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Lakas-Kampi-CMD president emeritus, remains confident that her party is strong and solid.

Olivar also assured that President Arroyo is still backing Teodoro. He said there is “no evidence" that Mr. Arroyo is supporting Villar.

For her part, Luzon Amelita Villarosa, the new Lakas-Kampi-CMD chairperson, said the party remains “rock solid" behind Teodoro.

“Lakas-Kampi-CMD is rock solid and united behind the candidacy of Gibo and the rest of the national ticket," she said in a statement. “Seeing the party divided is the ultimate goal of certain rivals who have been trying every smear trick available to them."

The party would meet on Monday with its new leadership to discuss “calibrating the national with the local campaign operations, especially on the aspect of scheduling campaign sorties," Villarosa said. - KBK, GMANews.TV


Original Story: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/187692/gibo-denies-he-is-quitting-presidential-race