GILBERTO TEODORO

A Nationalist People's Coalition stalwart has predicted that despite poor showing in presidential poll surveys, Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro remains a formidable presidential bet and may win the 2010 elections if the opposition fails to field a single candidate against the Arroyo administration’s bet.

But another veteran solon, opposition Rep. Teodoro Casino said Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao’s opinion may not be applicable to Chairman Bayani Fernando of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, saying that the brand of “cruelty” he has displayed towards the poor will cause his defeat in the 2010 election contest.

Aggabao, chairman of the House committee on revision of laws, said he is not convinced that the recent surveys gave a clear indication of how Teodoro would fare if he pursues the presidency under the banner of Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

“Hindi ako naniniwalang giba na ang tsansa ni Gibo. Kung maraming tatakbo sa oposisyon, baka ang administration bet ang magkaroon ng malaking chance sa 2010,” Aggabao told reporters during the Usaping Balita News Forum at Serye Café in Quezon City.

Aggabao and Teodoro used to be partymates at NPC until the Defense chief and his uncle, NPC founder and former Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco, had a falling out.

Before joining the Arroyo Cabinet and later the president’s party, Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Teodoro was reportedly being groomed to be the NPC presidential betfor the 2010 election.

With Teodoro out of the NPC family, the presidential nomination is being contested by Senators Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero.

In the same weekly news forum, Casino said Fernando stands the least chance of winning a national election among possible administration bets.

Casino said Fernando should realize by now that the brutality he and his men have shown towards vendors and informal settlers will be remembered come election day.

“Ang masyado niyang pagmamalupit sa mga mahihirap ay tumimo na sa ating mga mamamayan,” Casino said.

The opposition solon also urged former President Joseph Estrada to give up his intention to seeking another shot at the presidency.

He said Estrada can make his mark in history by serving as the unifying factor for the opposition.

“Many consider 2010 as an opposition year, but can the opposition get its act together and win the elections?” Casino said.

Unlike Teodoro and Fernando, Estrada’s name has been consistently hogging the top in the list of possible presidential bets, according to poll surveys.