PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE — THE decision of Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro to seek the endorsement of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for him to be the administration’s standard-bearer could spoil the support of business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco to the reported presidential bid of Sens. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Loren Legarda.
During the weekly Usaping Balita media forum at Serye Restaurant at Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, a stalwart of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), said business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco might instead shift support to Teodoro’s planned presidential bid who is his nephew.
“I would not know about his (Teodoro) financial capacity, but blood is thicker than water, so there could be some changes in the endorsement of his uncle (Danding) for the candidate for President,” Lagman, vice chairman of the House committee on appropriations, said.
It will be recalled that Cojuangco is the chairman emeritus of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) where Escudero and Legarda are said to be vying for the party’s standard-bearer.
Teodoro, who was earlier described as the top lieutenant of NPC who helped President Arroyo’s victory in 2004, is currently on-leave at the party because of some reported misunderstandings with his uncle Cojuangco.
Reports said that Teodoro was dismayed over his uncle’s siding with the political plans of Escudero than him.
With the statement of Teodoro, Lagman expressed strong belief that the administration selection process for its standard-bearer is now having a good direction.
“This is truly a welcome development. Gilbert has the outstanding credentials for the presidency. He’s a no-nonsense guy and he is candid enough not to shy from being identified with the President,” said Teodoro.
During the same forum, Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, chairman of the House committee on oversight and stalwart of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), said the statement of Teodoro will give a good development but stressed he should get the support of Lakas, Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) and President Arroyo.
“Gilbert is a topnotcher, comes from a prominent family with impeccable records at magaling ang tatay. Napakagaling ng breeding, maganda ang misis – magandang First Lady ‘yun kapag natuloy,” said Suarez.