Mike Banos
July 23, 2009
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Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro begins his quest to clinch the presidential nomination of the ruling coalition as he takes his oath as member of Lakas-Kampi-CMD today (Friday, July 24, 2009 Philippine time).
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Lakas-Kampi-CMD President, will swear-in Teodoro at the party headquarters in Mandaluyong City this morning.
A majority of Lakas-Kampi-CMD members expressed their desire to select a standard bearer who is intelligent, unafraid to face the problems and has a clear program of action for the country.
"The next president must be able to carry out a new kind of governance for the country. One whose administration can deliver absolute services, economic programs, social justice and peace and order," Lakas-Kampi Senior Deputy Secretary General and Sorsogon Rep. Jose Solis said Friday.
The 45-year old Teodoro, who first announced his bid in February, has maintained he will only run for President under the ruling party. By joining the administration coalition, Teodoro is submitting himself to the selection process to determine the party´s standard bearer in next year´s polls.
Many leaders of the party have openly declared support for Teodoro´s candidacy based on his integrity and qualifications, which they said are his key attributes which set him apart from the other presidentiables.
"The standard bearer must have a good track record of public service and free of corruption allegations. He must be decisive in actions and words," Solis said.
"This is why a majority of Lakas-Kampi-CMD members favour Gibo (Teodoro) to be the party´s standard bearer. Sec. Teodoro has presented a clear program for the country and the qualities the party is looking for in its presidential candidate," he added.
Teodoro and his wife, Tarlac First District Rep, Monica Prieto-Teedoro, are the latest addition to the ruling party which counts about 70 per cent of the total number of all elected officials in the Philippines among its members. Both are former stalwarts of the Nationalist People´s Coalition (NPC).
Lakas-Kampi-CMD is a merger of the country´s two biggest political parties. It accounts for 145 out of 267 congressmen (including 51party list representatives), 50 of 80 governors, 51 of 80 vice governors, 85 of 120 city mayors, and 1,112 out of 1,507 municipal mayors.
If elected President, Teodoro has declared charter change as his first order of business to seek meaningful political, economic and social reforms. He has declared his intention to urge Congress to call for a constitutional convention where concerns can be discussed openly and freely.
The defense chief has also vowed to pursue the economic gains made by the administration, which he said are the product of the government´s sound fiscal policy. Teodoro holds the distinction of being the youngest to be appointed to the defense portfolio in 2007 at the age of 43.
He said increased spending for national defense and security programs is crucial to ensure peace and order throughout the country. He has also declared his opposition to granting amnesty to terrorist groups like the Abu Sayyaf saying this has no redeeming social value.
Teodoro ordered intensified military offensives against the ASG last week and the arrest of its known leaders and members. The ASG has gained notoriety for committing atrocities in key areas in the south since the mid-90s.
Teodoro has not fared well in early surveys of presidentiables because people did not know his true qualities, but has since made considerable gains, said Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano.
"We must take into consideration that Sec. Teodoro declared his intention for the presidency only last February (2009). So, unlike other (presidential) aspirants who have declared their plans or have started campaigning, early, even as they have continuously denied their goals," Albano said. "To this day, Sec. Teodoro has just pursued his functions as the country´s defense secretary."
"Sec. Teodoro is a leader who will keep on track with the Lakas-Kampi-CMD objective to rally behind efforts to create lasting opportunities and foundation for peace, economic fulfilment and the promotion of human dignity," Albano said.
THE SOURCE
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