Malacañang said Saturday that Lakas–Kampi–CMD standard bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro can beat other presidentiables in the 2010 elections when it comes to “sincerity and performance.”

Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III, in an interview over radio, said that Teodoro can still surge in poll ratings with his show of sincerity and good performance in public office, apart from more exposures in the regions.

“There is no substitute for sincerity and performance. Ang dapat lang magpakatotoo,” Bello said.

“Malalaman ng mga kababayan na si Secretary Gibo [Teodoro] is striving to be our leader for the next six years,” he added.

Bello, who is also running for senator under Lakas–Kampi–CMD, said that advocacies must be based on experience. Bello served as justice secretary, Solicitor General and Government of the Philippines (GRP) chairperson on the NDF – CPP – NPA peace process, from the time of former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos up to the current administration, respectively.

“My advocacy is for peace and justice. May mga nagsasabi kasing [their advocacy is for] quality education, food and healthcare but how can you enjoy quality education, food and healthcare in a climate of war? Kaya napakahalaga na meron tayong kapayapaan para sa ganoon ay may pag-asa tayong umunlad and we can only achieve peace if there is justice,” he said.

He added that he would be advocating for the abolition of the pork barrel, criminalization of libel, and the institutionalization of the peace process.

Earlier, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that Teodoro will be able to make it in the 2010 elections with the right strategy, which is to make his presence felt, particularly in the regions.