Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Wednesday said he remains confident that the tandem of former Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro of the Department of National Defense (DND) and Edu Manzano, former chairman of the Optical Media Board (OMB), will succeed in the 2010 elections.

Citing improved ratings in surveys, Ermita said the standard bearer of Lakas-Kampi-CMD will be able to make it in the 2010 elections with the right strategy.

“The only strategy is to have [former] Secretary Teodoro move around more frequently to the provinces so that his presence will be felt,” Ermita said Wednesday.

“He has to be known and the voters in other places should be made aware that Secretary Teodoro is a serious contender,” he added.

According to Ermita, there is still ample time for the Lakas–Kampi–CMD bets to introduce their platform.

“We still have more than five months. Sa palagay ko naman, malilibot ni Secretary Teodoro at ni Edu Manzano ang buong Pilipinas para magpakilala ng maayos at sila ang mapasaisip ng mga botante pagdating ng halalan,” he said.

Ermita said that although the survey rating shows that Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is leading the presidential race, ratings are subject to change in the coming months.

“If you look at the figures, it looks formidable but remember, I said we still have about five months and a half,” he said, citing the experience of former president  Fidel Ramos and President Arroyo.

“They were much below in their rating and yet … sila ang nanalo dahil sa masigasig na pagkakampanya at suporta na nakuha nila nung sila ay nangangampanya,” Ermita said. “Somehow, I still have the confidence na si Secretary Teodoro, sa kanyang pagpapakitang gilas at talino, will catch the attention, especially of class A, B, and C voters,” he said.