By: Mike Loyola
Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Tedoro, Jr. has shown qualities, qualifications and character that separate him from the rest of the aspirants for the presidency in 2010. While he was borne and raised from an affluent family, Gibo, as he is fondly called by relatives and friends, never boasted his social stature but instead manifested humility and kindness to all that have come to know him from childhood to these days.
Gibo gave great importance and value to education, hardwork, self-discipline and respect to others regardless of status as primary yardsticks in measuring his actions all his life.
He graduated Law at the University of the
He joined public service when he was first elected Congressman of the 1st District of Tarlac in 1998 and served three (3) successive terms for nine (9) years. He was the leader of the so called “Bright Boys of Congress” that included Chiz Escudero and Allan Cayetano now Senators of the land, which was the counterpart of the so called “Spice Boys of Congress” that included Migz Zubiri also a Senator now, Nonoy Andaya the incumbent Budget Secretary and Mike Defensor the notorious nemesis of NBN-ZTE whistle-blower Jun Lozada.
Unlike his colleagues in Congress who flaunted everything they do in the media (including Mike Defensor’s intervention for some suspected pick-girls in Quezon City who were apprehended by the police), Gibo who got high regards even from senior leaders and members of Congress, remained humble and quiet all through his nine (9) years in the House of Representatives. He was not afraid to stand on unpopular issues for as long as he believed them to be right and just such as, going against the impeachment of PGMA and supporting Charter Change that will reform the political system and institutions towards a parliamentary form of government.
Gibo is the youngest ever appointed Secretary of National Defense at forty-three (43) years old in August, 2007. But his youthfulness was never a liability but more of an asset for the Defense Department and the military establishment. He has introduced programs and reforms to address the serious concerns and inherent problems of the institution. He now commands highest respect and regard from the top-ranking officers to the lowliest enlisted man in the AFP.
He is not a hypocrite and ingrate, but instead has shown courage, loyalty and humility to announce that he will only run for President if he is chosen as the administration candidate; meaning, getting the endorsement of the very unpopular GMA which would be a “kiss of death” according to the opposition and many political analysts.
Gibo also showed independence of mind, upheld the importance of delicadeza, and invoked the importance of public service over and above personal, family and poliical interests when he severed ties with his own political party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), whose benefactor is his own uncle Eduardo “Danding Cojuangco, Jr. and members include Senators Chiz Escudero and Loren Legarda, both aspiring presidentiables who declared themselves in public as oppositionists despite the fact that the benefactor and other leaders of NPC are known supporters and allies of PGMA, a very absurd and confusing political arrangement that does no benefit to our people at all but only to them.
All his experiences, training and background are more than enough to outclass the other political leaders who aspire for the presidency. But most important of all, Gibo Teodoro has the right character of a leader who can lead this nation into greatness and provide better lives to our people, a dream that never happened under previous administrations and Presidents. Such a dream would again be frustrated if the people commit the grave mistake of choosing someone because of his/her popularity enhanced by media projection and advertising promotions. Among the present presidential wannabes, other than GIBO, I say NOTA (None of the Above) can make our people’s dream a reality!
how about an ariel querubin presidency?
Bwahahaha!
actually I like Gibo!
Qualifications and merit are always a good track for discussing various presidential candidacies.
After all, when discussing who should be the next leader of the Philippine nation, shouldn't we be talking about what makes him or her a good choice as a leader.
Now, here is my view:
The job of President of the Philippines is an executive position.
It should be obvious that when we are looking for a person to fill the position, we ought to look for someone with Executive experience -- whether in the public or private sector.
There is some wisdom in this idea and I'll just point to the Philippines under former President Fidel V. Ramos.
In any case, Gibo is among the few candidates with real executive experience.
What remains now for us to do is to stack his executive credentials alongside the credentials of other presidential candidates with executive experience.
Makati Mayor Jeojomar Binay, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, and Senator Richard Gordon are among the other emerging Presidential candidates who have executive experience.
Who among four mentioned here have the longest track record as an Executive? Who among them have been successful as executives?
Well, in my book, no one can top Gordon.
Olongapo City. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Department of Tourism. Philippine National Red Cross.
Enough said.
You've got to be kidding, SMC won't even support this guy. Just read through, this guy's a pushover, no strength of personality, soft girly eyes, wets his lips (as a habit), very metrosexual to fault...he's not winnable...Mr. Rain, if you're going to endorse the first gay candidate for presidency a least choose one with balls. Look at the guy, listen to him...have you at least joined him in the dinner/lunch table? Have you even shook his well-manicured (colorless), soft, callousless, kitten like paws for hands? You've got to be kidding, really?
eh diba dummy sha ni danding?
just asking....
yes...Gibo Teodoro has the right character of a leader who can lead this nation into greatness and provide better lives to our people.... choosing someone because of his/her popularity enhanced by media projection and advertising promotions.
ngek... i don't like the WIFE of Gibo- sowry!
oligarch! diba hate hi amiel oligarchs?
Teodoro was a lecturer at the National Defense College when Cabanlig was President and a regular assistant professor at the General Command and Staff Course of the Armed Forces of the Philippines when Cabanlig was Commandant...
Would Gilbert Teodoro make a fine president? Is this personal?
Gilbert is married to Monica Louise Prieto, presently a congresswoman of Tarlac who acts like she is all powerful!
yes, sec. gilbert c. teodoro will be a great president..i think, siya lang makakapag-isa sa mga leaders natin ngayon..he can unite the leaders of both the opposition and the administration..this man has a big heart…hindi siya plastic..if ever he decides to throw his hat on the presidency, i would definitely help campaign for him..
Carlo Ople says: Teodoro is already enjoying the support of several Malacanang figureheads like Secretary Ermita and Claudio. Ermita was close to actually endorsing him when he said the following on an Inquirer.net interview: “He is doing the right thing, saying the right thing. As far as expressing his aspiration to be a candidate in 2010, he’s a very capable person,” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told reporters.
“I might become his PR man but he is a topnotcher in law, in the bar exam of 1989. I’ll say it in one word: He has the wherewithal to aspire for higher position,” Ermita said.
“How old is he? 47? 43? He’s three to four years younger than President Obama. One of you is signaling me he’s handsome,” he said.
“I am glad to hear that he already came out because everybody had been asking what his plans are. Now that he has come out, I suppose he is one of those that will be somehow in the radar screen of surveys,” he said.
Ermita pretty much said it all. Teodoro has the qualities that one would need to run for the highest office in the Philippines. I’m not sure if he can win it though but he can definitely put up a good fight.
What I find very refreshing and inspiring these days is that we see new blood being infused into a seemingly old and corrupt political system. Seeing the likes of Secretary Teodoro, Senator Roxas, and Senator Escudero passionate about leading this country gives me hope that the youth will finally take a step forward and have a stronger say in their future. We need fresh, radical, innovative, and youthful perspective to be able to inspire the Filipino people to move this country forward.
I definitely welcome Sec. Teodoro’s intention to seek the Presidency. I am all for young blood in 2010.
Fotuna: Teodoro’s emergence as a dark horse in the 2010 polls may have lent an added excitement—or complication—to an already crowded field.... In announcing his bid, Teodoro has conveyed the image of a daring upstart. But then, fighting the established names has become a fashion after the victory of US President Barack Obama.
Teodoro’s record is not something to be underestimated. At 44 years old, Teodoro is the youngest man to assume the defense portfolio. He is also a three-term congressman, representing the first district of Tarlac province. After topping the Philippine Bar examinations in 1989, he went on to study in Harvard. With his credentials, Teodoro is viable.
Teodoro’s announcement has been welcomed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, respected in the presidential coalition. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri says the defense secretary is a welcome addition to the group. Teodoro, by the way, is welcome in both Lakas and Kampi parties.
I was told that Teodoro is favored by the rank and file of the Lakas and Kampi parties because of his drawing power within the GMA coalition and the respect he has gained within the opposition. As a former member of the House, he is known for his principled stand on issues.
PAGCOR chief launched a search to field candidates for president and local government units in the 2010 elections.
The Coalition for the Deserving is composed of the Bigkis Pinoy of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman Efraim Genuino, Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) founded by former president Ferdinand Marcos, Aksyon Demokratiko of the late Sen. Raul Roco, and Partido Para sa Demokratikong Reforma of former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa.
KBL chairman Vicente Milliora, Naga Rep. Simplicio Roco of Aksyon Demokratiko, Waldo Flores of Reforma, and former Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner Tomas Toledo of Bigkis Pinoy formally forged the coalition.
The leaders of the four political parties agreed to form the coalition during simple ceremonies held at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel, attended by 400 members of the four parties.
Lawyer Perfecto Yasay, former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission and a defeated senatorial candidate of Aksyon Demokratiko, said the coalition will screen the qualification of candidates and will enlist the help of the people in selecting their official candidates for the coming elections.
“We want to generate the support of the people for our deserving candidates,” said Yasay.
He said the coalition would mobilize various group to raise funds for the election.
“That leader (presidential bet) must capture the imagination of the people, and must be compassionate,” said Yasay, who declined to name possible presidential candidates.
Milliora told The STAR that their party has an initial list of candidates that will be nominated to be the coalition’s candidate for president.
He said among the possible KBL nominees are Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and Genuino.
If Chiz will be the NPC standard bearer, where will that leave Loren, who joined the party before the 2007 elections? Here’s how Jun Dy put it: She could form a Chiz-Loren tandem, or stay as senator, or run for president under another party. There is a fourth option: she could run as vice president of former President Erap. She had been more active going around the country with Erap than trying to shore up her chances within the NPC anyway.
Another presidential wannabe, Sen. Dick Gordon, will run under the Bagumbayan Movement that he had formed. Sen. Ping Lacson had given feelers to joining the PDP-Laban but Sen. Nene Pimentel said he was not sure if Makati Mayor Jojo Binay, the PDP-Laban top honcho, had already met with Ping. Of course, Sen. Mar Roxas is the uncontested bet of the Liberal Party. And how about Vice President Noli de Castro? He might be the candidate of the third force being formed by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.
I am also certain that should Teodoro run for president, it will not be under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) although he is said to be the favorite nephew of industrialist Danding Cojuangco, the party founder and chairman emeritus. The NPC candidate will be Sen. Chiz Escudero, no ifs, ands or buts about it. I talked last month with former Gov. Jun Dy of Isabela, the NPC national chairman. He said he was picking Chiz over Sen. Loren Legarda. When I asked him if the possible candidacy of Teodoro would make him change his mind, he said “No.” Jun Dy said that Teodoro had not been very active with NPC affairs and that he is now more identified with the Arroyo administration. He also said that Cojuangco would not interfere in the party choice.
Speaking of Chiz, he has come out against forging any coalition on the national level with either Lakas or Kampi. Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, the secretary general of Lakas, had expressed the hope that the coalition between his party and NPC would continue. Chiz stressed that he is a member of the opposition and he will remain with the opposition. Note that despite an NPC-Lakas coalition in 2004 and 2007, Chiz stayed with the opposition. In fact, he was the spokesman of the late Fernando Poe Jr. who ran against President Gloria Arroyo in 2004 and was the House minority leader before his election to the Senate in 2007.
Paul said " In any case, Gibo is among the few candidates with real executive experience."
Eh di boto mo si Godo...The crying lady-boy from Subic. Basta Gibo kami!
Hay naku Paul ayaw namin ng maka-amerikanong cry baby!
Gibo comes with a baggage. Teodoro, 43, is closely identified with his uncle, former Marcos crony and business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., such that his political choices are not seen as independent.
As congressman, he made two high-profile decisions that left a sour taste: he supported then Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.’s impeachment in 2003 on charges of corruption for misusing the multi-million peso Judicial Development Fund and the last-ditch efforts of Speaker Jose de Venecia and his allies at the House to amend the 1987 Constitution a few months into the 2007 mid-term elections.
On his position on the controversial Charter change move, Diaz said Teodoro came in only when de Venecia opened the possibility of amending the Constitution by calling a referendum to get the people’s pulse, or through the election of delegates to a Constitutional Convention simultaneous with the May 14 elections.
“He has been in favor of amending the Constitution from Day One of his first term as congressman,” Diaz said. And, he added, this has been clearly included in the legislative agenda of NPC.
Still, Teodoro is expected to play a critical role in implementing the anti-terrorism law which he voted against in the 13th Congress. He believes it carries provisions which are prone to abuse.
During his three terms in Congress, Teodoro sponsored legislation that span the gamut of civil rights protection, governance and economic development. His pet bills include a measure prohibiting the public display of persons arrested, accused, detained or under custodial investigation before formal charges are filed in court against them. It also defines the duties of arresting and investigating officers.
Teodoro also wanted the Public Attorneys Office (PAO) detached from the Department of Justice (DoJ) owing to the conflict in the dispensation of their duties, with the DoJ tasked with prosecution and PAO on the defense side.
Unfortunately, both bills did not prosper at the House. The farthest the bills reached was the floor, but were never put to plenary voting.
Teodoro was also open to the concept of having a national identification card, provided adequate safeguards are in place to prevent abuse by implementing agencies.
He was a lecturer at the National Defense College NDCP and a regular assistant professor at the General Command and Staff Course of the AFP.
Teodoro holds law degree from the University of the Philippines, and a master’s degree from the Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
He topped the bar exams in 1989, one of the youngest bar topnotchers in the country. He also passed the New York State Bar exams in 1997.
Yeah, let's perpetuate the oligarchy.
Alsamasa,
True, Gordon is of American descent but he chooses to be Filipino. Maraming accidental Filipinos na gustong maging Amerikano, even some so called nationalist activists and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, wala rin namang masama kung puro mamahaling imported ang suot ng mga tinatawag nating mga aktibistang patriot natin, even as they mount demonstrations against the United States.
As for being a cry baby, it isn't a flaw. Gordon is man enough to shed tears for things that few people shed tears for.
He teared up when he spoke against Jamby's blocking of the promotion of several military men who had earned their promotion the hard way -- in the field of battle.
He teared up for the Abu Sayyaf hostages when he feared all was lost and wala na siyang magawa para mailigtas ang buhay ng mga fellow red cross workers niya.
He teared up when he was asked at the ANC Leadership forum who his hero was. He usually cries for his father, an American who chose to be a Filipino and was killed by assassins for trying to clean up Olongapo from crime and corruption.
If you're taking that against him, fine. It's a free country.
if there's one thing gibo and gordon have in common, it's the perception (or fact, take your pick) that they both have annoying spouses.
The impeachment of Davide was not necessarily a bad thing. Look at what he has done -- sold out to the usurper with whom he conspired in a coup d'etat.
I wont take that against Gibo.
As for his wife, well, I'd agree with most of the posts here.
I personally met and talked (albeit briefly) with Gibo in Washington DC. He impressed me to be confident and sure of himself... sterling leadership qualities. Yet, his track record specially the true color of his politics is wanting. And that is paramount to lift up the sagging psyche of the people.. specially the "masa" who are forever mired in poverty.
sha ay super oligarko (remnants of greed of danding cojuangco). and the wife (louise prieto) is another imelda in the making. hindi ko sha iboboto. kay among ed na lang ako kahit sabihin pang matatalo.
isa lang ang masasabi ko sa endorsement na ito masquerading as an "article": YUCKKKKKKK!!!
I love a man who is unafraid to show emotions. I'd rather have a few tears as opposed to tantrums.
Talk about cry babies, Lee Kuan Yew is one. Look for it in yiutube
Victorina doesn't endorse anyone. This is just part of a Presidential series. First was Gordon... So walang pikon hokey?
I agree with James. Those with very little gray matter should read Ellen's blog- puro coup ang laman- very Bonifacio errr Magdalo. Mga Rizalista nagbabasa dito!
Gibo also showed independence of mind... when he severed ties with his own political party... Eduardo “Danding Cojuangco, Jr. and members include Senators Chiz Escudero and Loren Legarda!
I like Gibo also!
Paul what do you mean Gibo lacks experience? The SND is a much higher office than DOT of Gordon nhooo... DOT should infact be down-graded!
I like what you're doing victorina, this is what we needed all this time, information about possible candidates. Hopefully, as things unfold we can get to thee important part like their platforms, plans, vision, direction,, and how they intend to be measured in terms of success rate, etc.
Between Godo and Gibo I go for the latter!
I like Gibo for president but I don't like the wife - tisay, mukhang maarte and aristocrata.
he's got pig eyes, i don't trust people with pig eyes. just like korina's eyes, miss piggy.
his wife is irritating, her total countenance is irritating, the way she talks is irritating. pag nanalo sila we'll have a very irritating first lady.
Teka, parehong trapo yan ah. They are both dynasts -- members of political families perpetuating themselves and their ilk in power. None of the above pa rin!
But thank you DV, for featuring them, so we can make enlightened choices.
Ang tanong, kaya ba niyang ipa-kulong so Gloria?
Ang tanong, kaya ba niyang ipa-kulong so Gloria?
As long as you have good lawyers to jail her. Wag puro dak-dak!
Tina,
The Department of National Defense CANNOT DEFEND THE COUNTRY.
Has GIBO done anything about securing Air assets for our Airforce? How about getting better ships for our Navy?
Hello!??
The Department of Tourism under Gordon did a lot more than Gibo as SND.
I'd explain it to you, but I just don't have the energy for it right now.
Yes he had his little accomplishments in tourism but fact is it is a small portfolio!
Philippine budget is usurped by Education and Defense making it the biggest agencies. Tourism eh pang pokpok na portfolio- hahahahaha!
Anonymous said...
isa lang ang masasabi ko sa endorsement na ito masquerading as an "article": YUCKKKKKKK!!!
July 5, 2009 7:29 AM
__________________________________
You've got it wrong. In other words, MALI!
DV is simply providing info about candidates. The others will have their turn.
In the end, it's the readers who will make the decision on which candidate is the right choice. To expect DV to make that decision for you would be brainless (not on their part).
he;s hot!
PIG EYED
There you GO.
I was feeling something is wrong with GIBO, like his Tito Danding and MONSTROUS Korina Sanchez, and you NAILED IT.
Plus the fact his WIFE is going to be worse than Korina-Gloria-Imelda. Trust me, I've seen her.
L.P.Leviste rides again.......
All his experiences, training and background are more than enough to outclass the other political leaders who aspire for the presidency. But most important of all, Gibo Teodoro has the right character of a leader who can lead this nation into greatness and provide better lives to our people, a dream that never happened under previous administrations and Presidents.
capital E N D O R S E M E N T!... siosme. if you really want to present an article on all the candidates, dapat, factual lang. judt list doen his experience and mga magawang mabuti in office. walang mga dram dramang ganyan! parang TV ad lang to nila villar na hinaluan nag credentials eh..nakakinis
The WIFE is big baggage.
capital E N D O R S E M E N T!... siosme. if you really want to present an article on all the candidates, dapat, factual lang. judt list doen his experience and mga magawang mabuti in office. walang mga dram dramang ganyan! parang TV ad lang to nila villar na hinaluan nag credentials eh..nakakinis
July 6, 2009 12:09 PM
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Agree. Very irritating especially if you're not impressed with the person!
Why not stick to comparison of job description/responsibilities/objectives (promises) vis-a-vis actual accomplishments?
As SND what was his responsibility? What are his accomplishments? Does he have any leadership qualities? Did these show?
Academic achievements (topped the bar) mean so little nowadays, as most people with too high grades have aptitude for the academe only and not in real life challenging situations.
Lets have an objective presentation of the candidates' resumes and let the readers judge objectively and comment/ask for clarifications of course in a civil manner also. Why not open the site to the candidates themselves, let them present their resume, platforms, etc? Of course its your blog and I'm just a visitor, but that would be interesting don't you agree?
MARCOS pa rin!
LMAO! at this GIBO hype job!!!
Sec. of No Defense! LMAO!
I've followed this guy, no substance at all, masyadong malambot, puro placing, WALANG PRINSIPYO!!!
Bakit ko nasabing walang prinsipyo? Ikaw ba naman ang maging lap dog ni tyanak ewan ko na lang kung meron ka pang prinsipyo na natitira sa sarili mo.
One doesn't need to go to Harvard or topped the Phil Bar Exam to be a good leader...prinsipyo ang kailangan!!!
STOP HYPING DANDING COJUANGCO'S NEPHEW!!! F#$#$3G S!@#T!!!
Among Ed at Grace Padaca sa 2010 kung ayaw nyo ng oligark...
Lahat na sinubukan natin, Matalino, babaero, sugalero, artista, sabungero, lasenggero, bopol, tynak na kamukha ni Ate Guy, murderer sa senado, lovebirds sa senado...
Bakit hinde natin subukan ang isang Pari at isang Radio announcer sa 2010 kesa sa mga same shit?
Lito,
Your comments just betrays how much you know about the Departments and their performance.
Yes it is true that the Department of Education gets a large chunk of the budget, but do our public school children really get educated?
As for the Department of National Defense, is the country capable of patrolling its skies and seas?
Despite the large amounts of money given to these departments, they hardly provide our countrymen anything -- neither real education or protection.
So, are you going to say that just because Gibo runs a virtually useless Department of National Defense, he's supposed to be President?
The Deped and the DND may be big departments in terms of their respective budgets, but they are also big on CORRUPTION. Gigantic! Enormous! Collossally CORRUPT!
Ano na ba nagawa ni Gibo sa mga kickbackan sa military supplies? Mukhang marami pa ring nabubundat na opisyal sa militar natin.
And also, how would you justify your statement saying that the Tourism is 'pang pokpok'? Do you mean that there are prostitutes or women with loose morals in the Department of Tourism? The statement is just absurd.
As for the Tourism Department being a small portfolio. I'd assume you meant that the Tourism Department is a minor cabinet position. To which I'd respond that there are no major and minor cabinet positions, but there are major and minor intellects that get to head the departments.
Gordon made the Tourism Department a big deal, world wide. Under his watch, tourism in the country surged and while it may have been a minor portfolio in your eyes, Gordon ran the department as if it were the most important cabinet position.
That's why Wow Philippines succeeded and all the other tourism programs before his failed.
The tourism industry in the Philippines is still small especially when compared to the tourism industries of our neighboring countries like Thailand, Hongkong, and Singapore.
But perhaps, with Gordon's Tourism Act of 2009, we can catch up with these big tourism players.
Between Gibo and Gordon, you have to admit, MARAMI PANG KAKAINING BIGAS SI GIBO and HE STILL HAS TO PROVE HIMSELF.
well, kaya ba nyang ipamahagi ang mga lupain ni Danding sa mga mahihirap? O kaya eh pagbayarin ng malaking tax ang mga kumpanya ni Danding at iba pang marcos cronies para naman makapagbayad na sila sa mga kasalanan nila sa lipunan?
gibo said he will make lady ann sahifula, sulu vice governor, accountable for giving 50,000 pesos to the abu sayyaf when they released vagni last week. IF he is able to do something about this, i'm voting for him. IF!!!