Fractured opposition makes Defense chief a viable administration presidential bet, says House Speaker

Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro, left, shakes hands with Governor Sakur Tan during his visit in Sulu province in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

MANILA, Philippines - House Speaker Prospero Nograles said the obviously discordant tunes emanating from the various opposition camps could spell good omen to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro or whoever the administration party, Lakas-Kampi-CMD would finally choose as its standard bearer in 2010.

"Faced with a fractured opposition, Gibo is now emerging as a viable candidate. While the opposition is singing discordant tunes as to their presidential candidate, the administration remains very solid and its machinery remains very intact. This is a welcome and a most likely scenario," Nograles said, but he added that a square-off between Teodoro and Senator Benigno Aquino III in what is dubbed as the "Battle of Tarlac" or a four-cornered fight among Teodoro, Aquino, Senator Chiz Escudero and Senator Manuel Villar will be a very exciting political match.

Teodoro and Aquino are first cousins and are natives of Tarlac province where they both started and nurtured their political careers. Teodoro, Aquino and Escudero on the other hand belongs to the same generation of political leaders.

"These are three young men of the same generation making a political statement for the future. It will be a very exciting match," Nograles said.

This position of Nograles is in sync with the declared preference of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno for Teodoro as his running mate in the 2010 elections as he noted the groundswell of support for the defense chief by key provincial political stalwarts.

Puno said that out of 81 governors nationwide, an overwhelming 49 governors have already committed their support for Teodoro.

"Sec. Teodoro is certainly one of the most viable and able nominees ready to assume leadership," said Nograles, who is also party Vice-Chairman as he pointed out last week's announcement of the administration's standard bearer would now signal Lakas-Kampi's nationwide mobilization to ensure the party's victory in 2010 polls.

In terms of experience, capability, dependability, maturity and leadership, Nograles thinks that "Teodoro is steps ahead among our options," the House leader said. (Gil Bugaoisan)