Political kingpins working on Gibo win in Misamis

OROQUIETA CITY—Political kingpins in Misamis Occidental and Misamis Orientalhave pledged to work doubly hard for the poll victory of Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gibo Teodoro in Northern Mindanao.Misamis Occidental executives led by second district Rep. Herminia Ramiroand Oroquieta Mayor Jorge Almonte reiterated their support for Gibo duringthe former defense chief’s recent visit here that was capped by a rally attended by over 10,000 people.

“Gibo has a word of honor. He promised to visit Oroquieta and he did,” saidRamiro, who is seeking the gubernatorial post.“He is determined to win with clear and doable plans. He also possesses thequalities of a good leader,” she added.Ramiro said that local government leaders in Misamis Occidental supportiveof Gibo “will work doubly hard” to bring him 160,000 to 200,000 votes out ofthe total voters’ population of some 360,000.

For his part, Almonte praised Gibo for his sterling record in governmentservice and his untainted credibility.“Gibo is second to none in leadership and in qualification,” said Almonte.

In nearby Misamis Oriental, Gov. Oscar Moreno assured Gibo that he and other local leaders are also working hard to ensure his victory in the province.“All areas in Misamis Oriental are for Gibo,” said Moreno earlier, revealingthat this was achieved following a caucus with the municipal leaders.Heaping lavish praises on Gibo, Moreno noted that the ruling party’sstandard-bearer is really a good presidential material.“He is good, sincere, dedicated and with discernment. He possesses highethical standards,” Moreno said.

Moreno’s projection that Gibo would emerge the winner in the province basically boosted the forecasts by other local political stalwarts inMindanao.

Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez and Rep. Anton Lagdameo of Davao delNorte earlier said that Gibo’s concrete program for the country—plus his all-out support for Mindanao in times of local conflicts and natural calamities—has endeared the presidential bet to Mindanaoans.

They said the formidable support of Mindanao gives Gibo a head start in the electoral race, considering that the Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet is likely to secure, at the minimum, around 45% to 50% of the South’s estimated24 million voters. That’s at least 12 million sure votes for Gibo, stressed Dominguez, who is also president of Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

“What differentiates Gibo from the rest of the presidential candidates isthat he alone has a concrete program to move the country forward—and togreater heights,” said Dominguez.

“On top of this distinction that makes Gibo the most qualified among thisyear’s batch of presidential contenders, the Mindanao vote is virtually inthe bag because he has endeared himself to us Mindanaoans as he has always been there for us in times of calamities and conflicts,” Dominguez said.

“We will exert all efforts to ensure Gibo’s victory in the South as webelieve that he has all the qualifications and the traits to lead thecountry to progress into the next decade,” Lagdameo said.

“He has shown a genuine concern for lasting peace and sustainable development in Mindanao.”

More than 10,000 people flocked to Gibo’s rally here, proving once anew his growing drawing power that cuts across different social classes as the May10 balloting draws nearer.

This city extended a ”rock star” treatment to Gibo the other day with thousands of people fighting for space in the streets to get a good glimpse of the former defense secretary, and later on listen to his platform of government seeking to transform the Philippines anew into an Asian powerhouse.

Gibo, a Harvard-trained lawyer and 1989 bar topnotcher, held a motorcade around this city and walked some 500 meters to the rally venue at the ABC gym after emerging from a meeting with local leaders at the Rhovic’s Resto.

From Rhovic’s to the ABC gym, Gibo was mobbed like a celebrity, with peopleinching their way for photographs, shake his hand, hugging or kissing him.The ABC gym was filled to the brim, with many others not allowed inside toavoid over-packing the facility.

Thanking the large crowd, Gibo vowed to improve port facilities andfarm-to-market roads to further improve the competitiveness of the area onceelected as the next president. -30-