Teodoro not quitting presidential race

CEBU, Philippines - Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro is not pulling out from the 2010 presidential race, said his chief of staff Nelson Victorino.

Victorino said the earlier statement of Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman and former Marikina Mayor Bayani Fernando that Teodoro is quitting “is a pure lie.”

“That is a lie. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro is not quitting from the presidential race,” Victorino said.

“He should not resort to that kind of tactics. He should run based on his capability and strength. Hindi yung kung anu-anong paninira ang sinasabi niya,” Victorino added.

During his visit to Cebu the other day, Fernando said Teodoro has backed out reportedly due to his “poor rating” in several surveys among presidential aspirants.

In a press conference here, Fernando said he sees no reason why he should not be voted as the standard bearer of administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD when party members gather next month.

He, however, said that Vice President Noli de Castro cannot be the party’s standard bearer because he is not a member of the party.

Teodoro, for his part, said he is ready and able to be the country’s next chief executive and is merely waiting for the decision of Lakas-Kampi-CMD. —Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO    (FREEMAN NEWS)