Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. defended rival, Nacionalista Party standard bearer Sen. Manuel Villar, for joining the rousing welcome for Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao which he said is a “national event.”

Unlike the Commission on Elections which has warned candidates against joining the red carpet reception for Pacquiao, Teodoro said Villar, or any other Filipino for that matter, is free to welcome the ring idol whose outstanding contribution to boxing has placed the country in the map of world sports.

However, the administration party candidate was unable to join the rousing hero’s welcome for the boxing champ because his campaign rally in Manila coincided with that of Pacquiao.

In fact, Teodoro arrived at the Quiapo church almost two hours after Pacquiao made a visit to
there before calling on President Arroyo in Malacanang.

The Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer was joined by Manila mayoralty bet Avelino “Sonny” Razon and re-electionist Rep. Zenaida Angping in making a brief courtesy call on Msgr. Clem Ignacio, Quiapo church parish priest.

“Lahat ng gustong sumalubong, pwedeng sumalubong. Nagkataon lang siguro na eleksyon at saka magkapartido sila,” Teodoro (Anybody who wants to welcome [Pacquiao] is free to do so. It just so
happened that it is election time and they belong to the same party).

Together with senatorial bet Raul Lambino, Teodoro’s party staged a motorcade in Blumentritt and Quiapo areas before proceeding to Chinatown.

Teodoro visited the Blumentritt and Quinta markets where his party was given a warm reception.

The former defense secretary received the most cordial welcome in Quiapo where his father, the late Social Security System chairman Gilberto Teodoro Sr. spent his childhood.

Luzviminda De Guia-Ong, whose family owns the famous Excelente Ham, gave Teodoro a small box of their product, saying that it symbolized her family’s strong support for the presidential
bet.

“We are supporting Gibo because he has maintained a high level of campaign. Iyong iba panay ang siraan at grandstanding, dapat itigil na ang ganitong kampanyahan, ” Guia-ong noted. (The other candidates have been indulging in fault-finding and grandstanding, there should be a stop to this kind of campaign) Razon and Angping said Teodoro’s campaign has started to peak in Manila because he was able to present a clear and viable platform of government.

Angping added that many Manila voters believe that Lakas-Kampi-CMD is the most qualified presidential bet based on his impeccable public service and scholastic record.

“We are strongly supporting Gibo because a government under him would be the best for the Philippines, the best for our constituents in Manila,” said Razon.