Mayors' league continues support to Gibo

CANDABA – Officials and members of Lakas-Kampi-CMD Pampanga have reiterated their solid support to the candidacy of its standard bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro.

Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, Pampanga Mayors' League (PML) spokesman, said the local party members remain loyal to Teodoro and their overwhelming support will not be withdrawn all the way to the May 10 elections.

Click here for Election 2010 updates

Pelayo said their support will be converted into votes by their constituents and will give Teodoro a greater chance to top the presidential race.

“Our party members are intact and still throwing strong support to the candidacy of the administration’s bet Gilbert 'Gibo' Teodoro,” Pelayo added.

Pelayo also disclosed that the resignation of Teodoro as chairman of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party does not change the campaign plan of the party. He said this would give their candidate more time to focus on his campaign.

This statement by the PML came after the exodus of several members of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD both in the provincial and national levels. The latest was the defection and throw of support by Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri and former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson to Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Senator Manuel Villar.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD officials said the defection of some party mates cannot be prevented during political season.

Meanwhile, Malacañang reiterated Tuesday the support of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the candidacy of Teodoro for the presidency in the May elections.

In a statement sent to Sun.Star Pampanga, deputy spokesperson Gary Olivar said that President Arroyo is behind Teodoro and that the former defense secretary "has not expressed doubts on that point.”

But alongside these assurances of support, the statement noted, the President’s primary concern is still governance for the country.

“Governance is top priority, campaigning for herself or the standard bearer comes second,” said Olivar.

Olivar said the President continues to assist the party with regards to outstanding issues.

President Arroyo recently facilitated the prompt reshuffle in the administration party after key resignations including that of Teodoro as party president.

“The way the president intervenes is not on a day to day basis but it comes in when presidential presence is needed,” Olivar added.

Olivar in the statement dismissed speculations hounding Teodoro and the party as mere “campaign noise” expected in a political season but asserted that Teodoro is “dead serious in winning.” (Herbert P. Mapiles/With reports from Jovi T. De Leon)