ANGELES CITY –As election fever heats up for the May 10 polls, Lakas-Kampi CMD standard bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. Wednesday assured that he will not resort to political mudslinging against his opponents, including his cousin, Liberal Party presidential bet Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, in getting voters’ attention and improve his survey rating.

In an interview during a students’ forum at the Holy Angel University here, Teodoro said that he is taking his election sorties to a high level instead of engaging in political backstabbing by drum beating his platform of government.

“I will never say anything negative against anybody,” Teodoro said.

Accompanied by his running mate, former Makati vice mayor and TV host Edu Manzano, Teodoro received a warm welcome from thousands of students who took the opportunity to learn about their political platform.

They were met by Pampanga Rep. Tarzan Lazatin, Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan and Mabalacat Mayor Boking Morales.

The 45-year-old administration bet, considered the youngest among the eight presidential bets officially recognized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), issued the statement in response to questions on what he thinks of the consistent lead in surveys by Aquino III that are widely perceived to be anchored on the public sympathy and affection to his parents, the late President Corazon “Cory” Aquino and slain Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

The former defense chief stressed that no one can refute the respect and admiration the Filipinos have accorded Cory and Ninoy who both bravely fought to restore and preserve the country’s democracy dating back during the Marcos era.

“That is a reality. Both President Cory and Senator (Ninoy) Aquino are well respected by our countrymen. But when election time comes, that would be a different story,” Teodoro said.

He expressed belief that the country’s 47 million voters will vote “wisely and intelligently” by primarily considering the candidate’s program of government for the next six years.

“You choose Noynoy with respect to his platform. You choose me on what my platform is. But I’m not saying anything negative. I’m not gonna do that,” Teodoro emphasized.