Malacañang said Sunday that Lakas-Kampi-CMD candidate for president, former defense secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro’s character, competence and campaign platform will prove his worth as the next president, continuously shaking off speculations that his alliance with the current administration is a “kiss of death.”

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Ricardo Saludo said voters are now wiser in such a way that they look at the character and platform rather than political affiliation.

Saludo lauded institutions that initiate presidential debates as these are avenues to really know presidential candidates and make a wise choice in the upcoming elections.

“Hindi lang dapat survey kundi konsensya, character at plataporma ng mga kandidato [People should not only be considering whom to vote through surveys but also their conscience, character and platform],” he said.

Saludo cited Teodoro’s answers in presidential debates, where he would stress that he will let justice take its course should President Arroyo be tried for anomaly.

He added that he agrees with Teodoro that it is “not justice but vengeance” if the next president will be the one to push for a case against the president.

“Siguro medyo repasuhin nila ang patakaran sa batas. Ang nagdedesisyon kung nasasakdal ang may sala ay hindi ang pangulo kundi ang korte,” Saludo said.

“Wala tayong sinasabing platform of vengeance. Ang importante dito humanap ng taong may programa para maipatuloy ang pag-unlad ng bayan,” he added.

Meanwhile, support for Teodoro has increased in Bulacan, as Vice Gov. Wilhelmino “Willie” Alvarado and four senior members of Congress from the province expressed all-out support for the Lakas-Kampi CMD standard-bearer.

Alvarado cited Teodoro’s “strong and focused leadership” calling him the fittest candidate for the presidency in the May elections.

“We are fully committed to Sec. Teodoro, and will mobilize supporters and allies and resources to ensure that he wins decisively in the province,” Alvarado said, as he addressed students of the Bulacan State University (BSU) in Malolos City last Tuesday.

Those who expressed their support for Teodoro were Rep. Pedro M. Pancho (2nd District), Rep. Lorna Silverio (3rd District), Rep. Reylina “Neneng” Nicolas (4th District), Rep. Arthur Robes (Lone District, San Jose Del Monte) and provincial Board Member Daniel Fernando.

Bulacan has an estimated population of 2.5 million of which half is of voting age. Alvarado vowed to line up at least 40-50 percent of the province’s voters behind Teodoro’s candidacy.