Lakas-Kampi CMD standard bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. topped a mock elections among seven presidential candidates following a survey from a huge audience who attended a candidates’ forum at the Cebu International Convention Center in Cebu City.

Jointly organized by the province’s three major business chambers — the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), and the Cebu Business Club (CBC) — and the Aboitiz Equity Ventures and the Visayan Electric Company (VECO), the presidential forum drew some 2,000 Cebuanos who listened to the platform of government of each of the candidates. The mock election was conducted from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. while the candidates were on stage answering questions during the presidential forum dubbed “Choices and Voices for 2010.”

Teodoro was proclaimed winner in the mock polls conducted after the program after he garnered 48.7 percent of the total 935 votes cast following the program while his cousin, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, placed second after he got 31.6 percent.

Based on results from the mock polls, the former defense chief got 456 votes, Noynoy got 296 votes, followed by Senator Manny Villar, 88; Senator Richard Gordon, 45; Bro. Eddie Villanueva, 29; former President Joseph Estrada, 19; and Nicolas Perlas, 2.

Instead of calling Cebu City the "Queen City of the South," Teodoro said the city should be called the "Queen City of the Philippines" where the local government runs efficiently and promotes progress.

Citing its big economic potentials, Teodoro expressed optimism that Cebu will become a center of economic activity not only of the country but also of the Southeast Asia region.

Replying to questions on his plan for Cebu, Teodoro underscored his vision for infrastructure projects in the province including a new runway for the airport, as well as bridges to interconnect Cebu with neighboring island provinces such as Bohol and Negros. (with report from Phoebe Jen Indino)