GILBERT TEODORO Portrait of a President

Gibo's Post-Election Message

2010-05-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

"I did not fight for a political position for myself but for an idea. Winning or losing is secondary. We fight for an idea—an idea of competence. Basic education reform, college graduate opportunities for every family, food security, genuine sustainable agrarian reform, localized peace processes, strong foreign relations, and several others."

(Photo taken by dad of Facebook fan Francis G at Takbo Para Kay Gibo, January 16, 2010)
MAY 11, 2010 - "Ako’y nanalig na sana tayo'y magkaroon ng gobyerno na magiging hustisya ang batayan hindi benggansa, na makapag-introduce ng basic education reforms, makapag-introduce ng tunay at sustainable na reporma sa lupa para sa food security natin at makaahon sa sitwasyon ang ating magsasaka. Magkaroon ng tunay at malalim na reporma sa sistema ng pulitika sa bansa to include constitutional reforms. Na magkarooon ang gobyerno ng pagkakaisa instead na pagkakawalay-walay. Upang sa ganun, magamit natin ang pagkakataon na ito na makaahon imbes na magwatak-watak.

Ako’y nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng naniwala sa akin, ang aking minamahal at ginigiliw na mga kapartido at ako'y bumabati sa aking mga kapartido na nanalo. At sana ipagpatuloy natin ang paglaban para sa iisang Better Philiippnes. Sa Green Team at sa lahat ng volunteers, lalung-lalo na yung mga hindi ako kakilala pero naniwala sa akin, ang pasalamat ko ay lubos-lubos at sana sa darating na panahon, magkita tayong muli para ako ay personal na magpasalamat.

At sa huli, kay Nikki, kay Jaime at sa lahat ng kapamilya ko para sa pagmamahal, sa pagtitiwala, sa pakikibaka para sa iisang causa.

Itong laban na ‘to, hindi laban upang manalo si Gibo o ang aking kapartido. Sadya naming inilunsad ang isang kampanya na nangingibabaw ang puri at dangal at respeto sa ating mga kababayan, kung saan inuna natin ang taumbayan. At upang maisulong ang isang ideya na sobra na ang kabulukan ng sistema, lalung-lalo na sa pulitika nitong bansa na ito. Kaya namin pinanindigan ang prinsipyo na iyon upang tunay na magbago ang ating lipunan dahil sobra na tayong naiiwanan.

Ngayon na nagdesisyon ang ating mga kababayan, dapat magkaisa tayo upang isulong ang mga tamang prinsipyo na ating inilaban. At ako’y nananalig na ang Pilipino ay hindi magpapaiwan. At ako’y nananalig nakapagtanim tayo ng mangandang halimbawa at taas-noo tayong makakapagharap sa kahit kaninuman dahil tayo ay gumawa ng tama, kapuri-puri at may karangalan. Maraming salamat.”

(Source: POC)

"Believe" - The Gibo Fan Video Everyone Should See

2010-05-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

This fan video was made by a pro, Boom Dayupay of Kulay, who has never met Gibo but was converted.

Boom's message:
"This song is for 3 men I respect and admire in the Philippines.
1) Governor Lray Villafuerte who is the most dynamic governor that turned CamSur into the #1 Tourist Destination spot and put CamSur in the WORLD MAP!!!
2) Joey Concepcion of GoNegosyo who's Entrepreneurial mindset will drive this Nation away from poverty
and... 3) Gibo Teodoro, unlike Gov and Joey who I've had the pleasure of working with, I've never met Gibo but my sister Lani Dayupay Savellano is one of your many devoted supporters. She turned my dad's house GREEN. All I see is T-shirts and Bags, ballers, hats! OMG! but I've never seen my sister have such undying support! Anyways, she kept bugging and pleading me for this song but I'm really particular about who I support. But After seeing over 135,000 Gibo supporters in a stadium and you did it with Supporters and NOT Superstars and "hakot"! That was really cool! So I dedicate this song to you and to your supporters and of course my Ate Lani. May God Bless You and The Philippines.

GIBO TOPS SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE STAR

2010-05-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Final results are out, May 8, 2010. Gibo won by a landslide! This survey was sponsored by the Philippine Star and Smart Telecoms.

Gibo's Miting de Avance Draws Largest Crowd

2010-05-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

Gibo's Miting de Avance at the Rizal Stadium on May 7, 2010 drew a crowd of 100,000 to 135,000, according to reports of ABS-CBN, GMA 7, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Philippine Star. A former administrator of the Rizal Sports Complex said the last time the track oval was filled with spectators was during the Far-Eastern Games between Japan and China in 1930. The mammoth crowd of Greenies came even without any big artista performances like the other candidates. People went to see the CANDIDATE, not his celebrity relatives or celebrity endorsers. The celebs who went were content to sit in the audience and listen to Gibo.

Video of Gibo's speech

Click "read more" to see more photos. See why the real People Power is GREEN POWER.

Greenies march toward the Rizal Stadium.

Greenies start filling up the stands.

Look up in the sky! Is it Gibo?

Gibo arrives flying his own chopper! Crowd goes wild.

That's the amazing Atty. Mike Toledo on the right, Gibo's brilliant spokesman. A true class act!

Actress Angelu de Leon spotted in the audience.

Actor Luis Manzano with dad Edu Manzano.

Actresses Bubbles Paraiso and Michelle Madrigal, spotted with actress Ruffa Gutierrez's mom Annabelle Rama.

Actress/TV Host/Beauty Queen Ruffa Gutierrez with Bubbles Paraiso and Michelle Madrigal.

After the event, Greenies were even PROUDER to be green!

Rivermaya performs "Lipad" with Green Team volunteers as backup dancers!

Watch a replay of Gibo's Miting de Avance on USTREAM.

Photos from Facebook fan Ute Joe Lopez, Chinggay Lising

A Little Greenie Gets a Surprise Gift from Gibo!

2010-05-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Read more to know the story of Facebook fan Grace Baribar and her little boy!

Thank you, Gibo!

Cory Loyalist Rafael "Raffy" Alunan III Chooses Gibo

2010-05-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Rafael "Raffy" Alunan III served as Secretary of Tourism during the term of Cory Aquino. He became Secretary of Interior and Local Government during the term of Fidel Ramos.

The well-regarded Mr. Alunan, who has long supported the Aquinos, explains on Facebook why he will be voting green for President on May 10, 2010.

MY CHOICE
by Rafael Alunan III
The presidential candidate I will vote for:
•articulates a vision, a sense of mission and a sensible action agenda;
•has a good grasp of complex issues, and explains them simply and clearly;
•maintains equanimity despite the rigors of the campaign and the adversities of political battle;
•avoids personality politics; stays focused on the issues;
•avoids negative campaigning to give the voters the opportunity to understand his platform and how he intends to govern and serve;
•remains cool under fire, takes tough stands, makes hard decisions, sticks to his convictions especially in the most difficult circumstances;
•is a good listener and integrator of good ideas;
•is a proven negotiator and will be able to hold his own in the competitive arena of geopolitics and international relations;
•is genuinely presidential, a natural leader;
•is comfortable with outliers.

My choice for president respects institutions and works through the system. He is a reformer; dedicated public servant; circumspect politician; served in two branches of government; respects judicial processes; has demonstrated moral courage within his area of responsibility. He remains focused on serving higher interests, namely, national interests. He has a keen sense of nationhood that is crucial for anyone aspiring for the presidency.

My presidential candidate is an underdog even in his own party, stabbed in the front, back and sides by treacherous party mates and principals who have come to realize that he is his own man and cannot be controlled to do their bidding, meaning, protect them for their past wrongdoings once he's president. This should dispel presumptions or fears of coddling. They’ve called for his resignation and endorsed a rival party’s candidate. He is a non- traditional politician that prefers the high to the low road.

He has received basic, higher and postgraduate education from schools that I identify with; and comes from a decent family. His father, famously, could not be swayed to do the bidding of the dictator’s wife, and kept faith with the principle that public office is a public trust. That reflects strength of character based on strong ethics-based convictions.

I say this with a healthy respect for all the other candidates, black propaganda aside, some of who are well known to me. They too could or would be a breath of fresh air and sunlight in a room darkened and smelly from accumulated filth like, for example, Noynoy, Eddie, Nicky, Dick and possibly even a transformed Erap. Their past, fact or fiction, is not as important as to what they are today and what they could be tomorrow. However, the candidate of my choice after months of keen observation stands a head taller than the rest.

So, I have finally reached a decision. Win or lose, it will not be a wasted vote. Mine will be an informed vote on May 10. I choose Gilbert Teodoro for President.

Pastor Quiboloy endorses Gibo

2010-05-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Read Philippine Star: It's Gibo for Pastor Quiboloy

Full speech of Pastor Quiboloy proclaiming his choice for President

Direk Joey Reyes for Gibo Teodoro

2010-05-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

Veteran director and writer Jose Javier Reyes at the G1BO volunteers' rally at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, May 1, 2010.

Video of Joey Reyes speech

". . . hindi namamana. Tapos na ang ating mga bulag na paniniwala sa mga himala. Tapos na ang ating kamangmangan. Higit sa lahat, hindi na ako makakapayag sa isang bayang minamangmang ang kanyang mga mamamayan. Ikalawa, hindi sapat na alam mo ang mga problema. Kailangan magbigay ka ng mga solusyon. Madaling dumakdak at dumakdak, at isa-isahin ang lahat ng problema, at mangako nang mangako. Ang tanong ko sa kanila, sige nga, papaano? At sa lahat ng mga umaasam na maging presidente ng ating bayan, nabatid ko na iilan lang ang mayroong mga plataporma. At sa ilan sa kanila, ang pinaka-kapanipaniwala ay kay Gibo."

PORTRAIT OF A PRESIDENT

2010-04-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Gilbert C. Teodoro, President of the Republic of the Philippines

(scroll down to the bottom of this page for a couple of really great videos . . . :)

Foreign Relations

Training With the Troops

Air Force Pilot

The People's President

We Salute You, Mr. President

READ
Gilbert Teodoro: Light at the End of the Tunnel

by F. Sionil Jose

WATCH
Sigaw ng Pilipino, Tara Na! (by fan garju101)

WATCH
Why Gibo? (by fan garju101)

Panatang Makabago - Ang Ating Galing at Talino, Para Kay Gibo

2010-04-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

(Scroll down to the bottom to see full text of pledge)

Created and produced by a volunteer group of the G1BO TEODORO for President movement. This concept was inspired by GIBO's vow for a positive campaign.
Executive producers: Bebot Marfori
Producers: Kat Marfori and Joy Barbara
Creative director: Cholo Laurel
Creative team: Anton Lopez, Kath Marfori, Sara Denise Mendoza, Dino Narciso, Tor Torre, Ken O'bajo, Eric Cabahug (In cooperation with Governor Migs Dominguez and Arial Decenas of Sarangani, Shot entirely in southern Philippines)

Photos by Anton Lopez

Mahal ko ang Pilipinas
Dito naka-ugat ang buo kong pagkatao
Kaluluwa at dugo
Isip at puso
Dito malaya ako
Malayang mamuhay ng marangal
Malayang ipaglaban ang mga karapatan ko
Mahalaga ang paniwala ko
Importante ang boses ko
Kaya’t ibibigay ko lang
Ang boto ko
Sa may integridad at prinsipyo
Sa may galing at talino
Ang may tunay na plano
At hindi lang puro pangako
Hindi ako magpapasilaw sa kasikatan
Hindi magpapadikta sa kahit na sino
Gagawin lang ang tama at nararapat
Para maging mas dakila pa ang Pilipinas kong mahal
At ngayong may pagkakataong magbago muli
Magsisikap akong maging mas mabuting Pilipino
Mas may malasakit sa kapwa
Ito ang pangako ko
Sa aking mga magulang at sa aking kapwa Pilipino
Sa aking mga anak
Sa aking mga mahal sa buhay
Naniniwala akong posibleng makamit ang mabilis na pagunlad
Sa ngalan ng Panginoon
Sa pagkakaisa
At pagsama-sama
Ako ay Pilipino
Mahal ko ang bayan ko.

Gibo's Former Teacher is His Biggest Fan in Aklan!

2010-03-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Best Choices for May 10, 2010

2010-03-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

A sample ballot for voting straight Lakas-Kampi-CMD (from Facebook fan Earl C.)

To the followers of this fan site who have been asking, here is my final list for May 10, 2010. I made a choice to remove all members of the Liberal Party from my final list because of the terrible, deceptive, arrogant, divisive, and thoroughly negative way that party has conducted its campaign. No big loss, because there are many other good candidates to choose from. This is my personal choice, nothing to do with GT HQ.

PRESIDENT - Gilbert Teodoro

VICE-PRESIDENT - Edu Manzano or Bayani Fernando

SENATORS (Alphabetical Order)
Bello, Silvestre (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
Enrile, Juan Ponce (PMP)
Estrada, Jinggoy (PMP)
Guico, Ramon (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
Lambino, Raul (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
Lapid, Lito (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
Marcos, Bongbong (NP)
Maza, Liza (Makabayan)
Ocampo, Satur (Makabayan)
Remulla, Gilbert (NP)
Santiago, Miriam (PRP)
Tamano, Adel (NP)

PARTY-LIST - Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)

(TUCP works for the protection of workers' rights. They chose to support Gibo despite the Noynoy group's attempts to woo them. Know more about the work of TUCP thru their official website and Facebook page.)

Not everyone will agree with these choices, but I've weighed the pros and cons, and I believe this combination works.

Don't believe Noynoy Aquino's black propaganda against Satur. He is angry with Satur because Satur told the truth about Hacienda Luisita. Satur's candidacy is supported by Chiz Escudero, Teofisto Guingona, Wigberto Tanada, Erin Tanada, and Darlene Custodio. Watch these videos.

"Dapat Gibo": Rivermaya's Tribute Video for Gibo

2010-03-16T04:03:00.000-07:00

Maraming Salamat, Gibo Volunteers

2010-03-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

Video by fan bwsmanila. Bwsmanila's message:
May 06, 2010 — From one volunteer to another thank you for your energy and time, resources and effort and above all your passion. Inspired by the spirit of volunterism that Gibo has sparked in all of us I'd like to share with you a video of our journey. Thank you to everyone for the photos. Thank you Mae Ramos and Antonio Sy Jr for translating my script from english to tagalog, to Andrew de Castro for lending his voice, to Ver Vergara for editing, to Jun Garcia for the music and to the hundreds and thousands of Gibo Volunteers. Sulong Gibo!

The Survey Everyone Should Be Looking At

2010-03-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Results of CIG April 19-23, 2010 survey
26% Teodoro, 25% Villar, 16% Aquino
Read Manila Times: "Gibo top pick for first time"

The real independent survey by the Campaigns & Image Group headed by market research veteran Abbey Canturias shows that for the period of April 1-4, 2010, this is how the election climate looks:

34% Undecided, 23% Villar, 17% Teodoro, 16% Aquino, 5% Estrada, 2% Gordon, 1% Villanueva, 2% Others

Broken down by age group:

This is more believable than other surveys that make the election look like only two candidates are running, and less than 5% are undecided. Look around. Ask around. Only 5% undecided?

Here's why there's a big difference between the results of this independent survey and the two more publicized surveys.

From Malaya, April 7, 2010:

An Internet search shows Canturias is no stranger in market research. In 1991, he, along with newspaper publishers and editors, formed the Campaigns & Image Group. Through his PR management, Canturias worked in the successful vice presidential bid of Sen. Joseph Estrada in 1992. He also was Visayas Bureau chief of The Manila Times from October 1999 to March 2001 and editor in chief of The Freeman Mindanao from August 1995 until September 1999.

The Campaigns & Image Group survey, which is given to Philippine and foreign clients, has a base of 2,550 respondents.

The result of their survey, conducted April 1 to 4, on the most likely winner in the May 10 elections has Villar, Aquino, and Teodoro in that order.

CIG explained that the "irreconcilable differences" between their findings and that of Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia "stemmed from statistical samples that are obtained in the National Capital Region and used as a random base for nationwide analysis."

From their research, CIG said they have established that "Communication strategy, messaging, and choice of media (TV and radio) win heart and minds. This observation means that: Voter response is tied to issues they hold important in their lives; audiences relate themselves to the life and experience of candidates; candidate who has leadership capability, management experience and integrity; who is perceived to be transparent, and who presents a better platform, gets higher preference; the more ads aired, the deeper messages sink in.

They also said, "Organization (logistics) wins campaigns."

They said "Preferences change over time in the run up to balloting; creating and sustaining perceptions of being ‘winnable’ are inadequate; and vote conversion drivers hold the key to victory."

On Villar, CIG said, TV’s top spender "has begun surging forward for the finish line 35 days into May 10, 2010 election day. His advantages include: a stream of nine gubernatorial defections from the ruling Lakas party; alliances with 110 congressional candidates nationwide, including 45 from the administration party; strong cooperation initiatives with two major progressive, left-leaning groups.

"Although under strain from allegations he was not the poor guy his TV ads impressed upon the public mind, he has gained a formidable ascendancy–challenged and hard-pressed on top of positive gains in the last three months from a TV and radio mileage that runs with a prime-time exposure of more than 96 minutes per day on major networks. As intensive TV advertising and word-of-mouth campaigns raise public awareness on the senator’s ascendancy and platform, the top-of-mind shares of Villar has begun to pay off into vote conversions," CIG said.

CIG also said the 60-year old Villar by far is the most prepared presidential aspirant–logistically and functionally. His central staff oversees well-coordinated, efficient, well-financed teams that touched base with NGOs, communities, corporations, and influential families across 51 million voters nationwide. Men and women on the ground use person-to-person, person-to-companies, person-to-groups, and person-to-organizations to present his platform and solicit support.

"Altogether his candidacy is expected to rake in 31% of the national vote," CIG said.

On Aquino, CIG said his slide from his high ratings late last year "had been largely attributed to widespread perception by the public about his lack of management experience and leadership capability, on the one hand, and dependence on the legacy of his parents (former president Corazon Aquino and Benigno Aquino), on the other.

Despite the slide in his acceptability ratings, he remained popular though in the National Capital Region and townships around Metro Manila where voters are known to support candidates perceived to be the "genuine opposition."

CIG said "the Aquino campaign, mobilized only late in October 2009, has been hamstrung by a weak organization and inadequate funds. It has gained little from the defections that struck the ruling party Lakas toward the end of March 2010 and is getting less lift from cash-strapped allies in 81 provinces of the country where the Liberal Party fielded "token" candidates."

"The outpouring of respect and sense of loss (that was felt nationwide during the funeral procession for his mother emerged) has soon died out; it cannot sustain the emotional hype upon which his presidential draft was set," the survey group said.

CIG, which caters to the business community, said, the good-versus-evil messaging Aquino had used against opponents, has apparently produced a strong adverse reaction.

"Voters in the industrial sector had expected him to avoid mudslinging and present a decent, high-level, platform-oriented campaign. For most of them he sounded ‘vindictive’ and crying out for revenge for the scorn President Arroyo has had shown against his mother," CIG said.

On Teodoro, CIG said: "As the predominantly Roman Catholic nation went into the Lent holidays, it was already certain for Teodoro that the party has been weakened by kinks in leadership and organizational structures. Advisers feared that the party may lose the capability to undertake an effective campaign and to promote his candidacy. He has to beat the clock in rousing the public’s passion for him and sustain that passion and interest at a financial cost only Mrs. Arroyo can fully provide. His decision to step down from the chair triggered a wake of resignations from other party bigwigs and more defections to the opposition Nacionalista Party.

Whether he will be able to recover quickly remains a subject of speculation, CIG said adding that his consolation is that "his initiatives in university and college professors and students had paid huge electoral premiums."

As to the former president, CIG said, "As election day nears, Estrada finds himself losing grasp of the finances and organization he needed for yet another forceful comeback to the Philippine presidency."

So, how much stock should voters put on surveys?

NONE.

This analysis from the Manila Times explains why:

Do the SWS poll forecasts reflect the true election results? Do they sound credible enough? For instance, will you believe that Teodoro, with the administration’s much-vaunted political machine behind him, can generate only 2,400,000 votes?

Do you think that Bro. Villanueva, backed by the JIL, which is reputed to have millions of members, can woo just 800,000 voters? Aside from his own religious group, he is expected to win votes in other areas all over the country.

In the senatorial race, do you really expect Sen. Lito Lapid’s reelection, being No. 10 in the poll surveys and topping former Sen. Serge Osmena? Lapid has sat out his six-year term in the Senate, producing only one bill approved into law. He has been dubbed by many as the “chair of the Senate committee on silence.”

The polling agencies are facing an acid test in this year’s election. If their findings are turned on their head by the actual election results, they may not only lose face but may also run out of business in future elections for loss of credibility.

During the current election campaign, the polling firms have been excoriated for influencing voters and trend setting. There were strident proposals to ban the publication of poll surveys because they tend to create a bandwagon effect on voters to pick candidates leading in the poll surveys.

Many candidates see the polling agencies as election oracles, and think they are a shoo-in for the positions they are seeking, seeing their names topping the poll forecasts. But pollsters had made glaring misses in their predictions of election winners in the past.

In the US, leading polling firms had wrongly predicted the victory of Republican candidates Alf Landon and Thomas E. Dewey in the 1936 and 1948 presidential elections, respectively. The cause of these disasters in opinion polling was attributed to biased sampling of respondents.

Closer to home, one polling agency committed a grievous error by predicting in the 2004 election that presidential candidate Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would trounce opposition standard bearer Fernando Poe Jr. in Metro Manila. It turned out to be a reverse, with FPJ outvoting GMA three to one in the region.

In the 2007 election, administration candidate Ralph Recto for the Senate was forecast to win. He lost miserably, with the opposition candidates romping off with most of the 12 contested Senate seats.

I really don’t believe in the surveys, rationalizing that the opinion of 1,500 or 2,000 respondents interviewed for their preferred candidates could not reflect that of the entire voting population of 40 million. This is the biggest extrapolation that I know of.

If the polling firms had made big hits in their findings in the past, it was because their projected leading candidates in the surveys were followed by voters, believing the predictions to be the trend of the election.

Poll surveys have discouraged or dismayed candidates who are not faring well, most especially the cellar-dwellers. Senator Roxas, who was formerly running as the LP standard-bearer, was said to have decided to slide down as vice presidential candidate, giving way to Noynoy to be the party’s presidential bet, because he was not performing well in the surveys.

Teodoro, the fourth placer among the presidential contenders in the surveys, said he had stopped following the surveys. “I don’t pay attention to surveys anymore. Whether I have gone up or gone down, it’s nothing to me. Our campaign is based on our party network and party strengths,” he said.

Former President Fidel Ramos has exhorted candidates, especially the tail-enders. He told Teodoro: “Just be sure you be your own man and stick to your own strategic issues, directions and plans for the well-being of our people and security of our country.”

I admire Ronald Holmes, president and managing fellow of Pulse Asia, another major polling agency, for being candid and cautioning the public against taking surveys as gospel truth.

He said that Pulse Asia, whose surveys are done independently and not commissioned by any candidate or politician, conducts polls as part of the democratic process.

He defined two types of voters—a “sincere voter” who votes for someone whom he, or she believes in, and a “strategic voter” who is either influenced or swayed by the bandwagon effect of the surveys. He urged voters to go for someone they believe in despite the fact that they are trailing in the surveys.

That was a mouthful, coming from no less than a straight-out executive of a polling firm. Now, you define yourself: Are you a “sincere voter” or a “strategic voter”?

DON'T BE BRAINWASHED BY SURVEYS. VOTE FOR THE BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE. IT'S WHEN YOU VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE WHO HAS NOTHING TO OFFER BUT HIS LAST NAME THAT YOU'RE REALLY WASTING YOUR VOTE.

G1BO's Vision for the Philippines

2010-02-25T04:42:00.000-08:00

My Vision for a Dynamic and Progressive Philippines
by Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro

We are into the second decade of what is now called the Pacific century. Around the rim of this great ocean, hundreds of millions are lifted out of poverty by sustained rates of economic growth. Innovation and technological changes move quickly, assisted by modern governments committed to rapid social changes.

While we sit at the center of the world’s most dynamic region, the Philippines staggers behind its neighbours. Our poverty rate remains unacceptably high. Our infrastructure and logistical system remain backward. Our agriculture is stagnant. Our industry has been nearly wiped out by high power costs. Our public revenues always fall short of our needs and force us into indebtedness.

These conditions are compounded by our vulnerability to natural calamities, situated as we are on both the typhoon and volcanic belts. Global warming will inflict a heavier toll on our development and expose many of our communities to peril.

There is no simple solution to what we might call the Philippine malaise. Together, we need to devise a comprehensive plan that will magnify our strengths and diminish our weaknesses. We need to think and act strategically, ensuring the best possible future for our people. We live in a new century and a new world order. We cannot deal with the new realities using old mindsets, attacking new challenges with old ideas.

At the core of a comprehensive national response to the large challenges that confront our nation are the institutions of governance. These institutions enable us to act collectively and achieve goals we set for ourselves as a nation. Our institutions of governance are weak. Our first challenge is to make them strong, to make them reliable instruments of the national will.

We need to reinvent government, transform it from a set of outmoded institutions that inhibit our potentials into an effective mechanism that enables all of us to seize opportunities, build social wealth and protect the most vulnerable. Government must lead rather than merely administer; help our communities build up human and physical assets rather than consume resources. Our people’s trust in political leadership must be restored and their faith in the possibility of liberating government reinforced.

Central to this task is leadership that is based on merit, authority that is based on clear mandate and governance that is based on accountability. It can only be based on a democracy firmly anchored on a firm sense of civic responsibility and a government constantly aware of its duties as steward of the nation’s assets and guardian of its future.

My Core Values

I believe that countries can be strong only if their primary institutions are strong. The most basic institution is the family. It is the unit of trust, responsibility and caring that makes possible communities that are supportive, productive and safe. The state must reinforce families and empower communities.

We inhabit this earth by Divine Providence and share it with all its endowments. We must behave responsibly towards nature; ensure its conservation and sustainability. Future generations must not be denied the means to meet their own needs. The destruction so far wrought on the atmosphere, the seas and the forests must be reversed in our lifetime. In everything that we do, we must account for long-term consequences. We are responsible for nurturing future generations.

I believe that human dignity and well-being are best served under conditions of economic freedom. Under such conditions, innovation and productivity are unrestricted. The power of choice is ensured. Opportunity is multiplied. Efficiency is a virtue. Other freedoms that enable individuals and communities to constantly reinvent similarly become possible.

For economic freedom to be realized, the state must provide a reliable legal system that guarantees fair play and a set of policies that encourage competition, enforce contracts and reward excellence. That will be the basis for a social order that rewards skill and hard work, ensuring the best conditions for wealth creation and enabling individuals to be their best.

The most prosperous societies are also those that are most free. These are markets that are fully contestable, thereby discouraging monopolies. They are markets driven by trade, thereby encouraging real productivity. These are markets that are not distorted by subsidies and protectionist policies, therefore encouraging the best standards of efficiency. These are economic regimes where the freedom of choice of analytical consumers is paramount, therefore averting the rise of oligarchies.

I believe in the intrinsic humaneness of open societies. They enable diverse beliefs and practices to co-exist in harmony. They respect freedom of worship and the ecumenism of many faiths. They respect the lifestyle of choices of individuals and encourage the creativity of a people. They guarantee the constant regeneration of our culture and guard against the tyranny of dogma. Human rights and civil liberties can only be truly practiced in an open society.

I believe in the superiority of representative democracy as a form of government. No matter its imperfections, especially as it has evolved in this country, it is still better than all other options of rule. The failings in our practice of representative democracy, we need to remedy by improvements in the system— not by the rejection of democratic politics. There is no other means to build a better future than through the processes of accountability and consensus that representative democracy fosters.

This is the moral compass by which my leadership will be guided.

My Vision for a Dynamic Nation

The Philippines deserves a place among the most vibrant emerging economies of the world. The country does not want for talent and resources. What we lack is the institutional capital that will enable the country to seize historic opportunities before it; a legal and policy framework that will enable us to attract a larger share of investment flows; a bureaucracy that makes doing business easier; a security capability that will finally enable us to end the last yet most protracted armed insurgencies in the world; and an educational system that will produce the highly skilled workforce that will bring us to the cutting edge of the new economy.

Over the medium term, we need to radically alter our economic and investment policies to make them more receptive and responsive to the demands of the new global economy. Bureaucratic reform has been the toughest nut to crack for all previous administrations. It is something that must be urgently done over the next few years if we are to break out from the trap of low growth.

There is no further reason for significant swathes of the country to continue to suffer from marauding insurgencies. Armed conflict has cost many of our communities immensely, not only in terms of loss of life and destruction of property but more so in terms of missed opportunities. In the areas where armed conflict happens, infrastructure could not be built, farms and enterprises have been abandoned, and investments are absent. Already impoverished by the presence of insurgent groups, the communities in the affected areas live in fear of harassment and suffer the extortion of armed gangs. These basic communities must be immediately liberated from fear, violence and poverty so that their participation will be harnessed in the governance of public programs.

Government, in the near term, must make the required strategic investments in closing the infrastructure gap and in quickly raising the quality of our educational system. The first will enhance the domestic and international commerce. The second will multiply our human capital, the driving force of our economic growth.

We are now in the process of detailing a comprehensive plan for state strategic intervention through the first two years of my presidency. One of its critical and immediate elements is a massive low cost housing particularly a medium rise in-city program that will reduce disaster risks and spark urban redevelopment. It is a plan that will require a tremendous amount of political will and public support. It will set the stage for our economy to grow at a rate at par with the most dynamic economies of our region. If we are able to sustain economic growth at about 8%, we will finally be able to reverse the tide of poverty and begin creating a dynamic, resilient and modern economy for the next generation. We will not balk at doing the tough things that need to be done.

(Source: Lakas Kampi CMD official website)

Behind the Scenes with Rivermaya and Gibo

2010-02-21T04:09:00.000-08:00

Rivermaya drummer Mark Escueta's behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot of "Lipad"!

Gibo with Rivermaya vocalist Jayson Fernandez

Gibo with Mark Escueta and Mark's girlfriend Jolina Magdangal

Watch the final MTV here!

(The truth about the Rico Blanco issue)

Makati Business Club Admits GIBO Has Clearer Goals and Plans than Noynoy and Villar

2010-02-18T20:38:00.000-08:00

Even the yellow Makati Business Club can't deny the truth that Gibo is the best among all the candidates.

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Gibo gets a standing ovation from the Coryista Makati Business Club!

Business World, February 18, 2010:

THE COUNTRY’S premier business group yesterday said administration bet and former Defense secretary Gilberto "Gibo" C. Teodoro, Jr. of the Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) has presented clearer goals and plans of action compared to other leading presidential candidates.

Alberto A. Lim, Makati Business Club (MBC) executive director, said after the MBC general meeting that in contrast to Liberal Party (LP) bet Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III and Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Senator Manuel "Manny" B. Villar, Jr., who previously presented themselves to the group in separate occasions, Mr. Teodoro "pointed out specific programs, specific goals and specific time lines to achieve such goals. He’s very articulate... we think he’s very good."

The Gloria Arroyo non-issue is the only negative thing they have to say. They even admitted that Gibo "has a clean and unblemished image".

Snippets from Gibo's speech. My favorite part: when he talks about the need for political harmony. Amen to that. It's time for us to grow up, Philippines. Stop the hate so our country can heal and progress!

* * *
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) speaks:
At the presidential forum of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on February 16, 2010, this was the feedback (reported by Philippine Star):

PCCI vice chairman Donald Dee said “as usual Gibo (Teodoro) was most impressive.”

Speaking to reporters after yesterday’s presidential debate, Dee said Teodoro’s platform and answers stood out against other aspirants who attended the forum.

The PCCI panel, composed of representatives from various business organizations, was also reported to have been dazzled by Teodoro’s performance.

The panel was composed of Miguel Varela, chairman emeritus of PCCI; Alfonso Uy, president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation; Edgardo Lacson, president of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines; Jesus Pineda, chairman of Philippines Inc.; Eusebio Tan, president of the Management Association of the Philippines and Gregorio Navarro, president of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines.

Ortiz-Luis criticized the stand of Aquino on fiscal prudence. “I have never agreed with fiscal prudence. We should spend in accordance with our growth targets. We have to expand our economy,” Ortiz-Luis said.

* * *
Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) speaks:
Gibo is also the choice of the Filipino-Chinese business community. See the report of Manila Bulletin, February 5, 2010.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. is best to be at the helm of the country in times of national crises, a key leader of the Filipino-Chinese business community said Friday.

At the first council meeting of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), Alfonso Uy, FFCCCII national president, said Teodoro’s extraordinary crisis leadership typifies the spirit of Filipino-Chinese volunteerism that is geared at mitigating the effect of disasters on peoples' lives without media fanfare and mileage.

“That is extraordinary leadership, when you do something good without expecting public adulation in return,” he said.

Teodoro was welcomed warmly by an enthusiastic gathering of the influential FFCCCII, which has 170 member-organizations nationwide.

Uy said that Teodoro, the assembly’s guest speaker, has been an active partner of the FFCCCII in the chambers’ activities in the latter’s capacity as chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) until November of last year.

"During relief operations for typhoons Frank and Ondoy, we saw how effective, methodical and hardworking a crisis manger Secretary Teodoro is," Uy told the meeting to resounding applause by participants.

Green Day at Luneta Park

2010-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Gibo fans spread green love at Luneta Park on Valentine's Day. LOTS of new fans won over :)
Way to go, guys!

Spotted: Our Muslim sisters having a picnic and campaigning for Gibo
with their own homemade flyers.

"had so much fun, inabutan na ng gabi" - Facebook fan Arabelle J.

Photos by Facebook fans Joyce M, Maite Q, and G-Squad

Gibo a Special Guest on Pastor Quiboloy's TV Show

2010-02-10T01:34:00.000-08:00

This episode of Pastor Quiboloy's show "Give Us This Day" is a good way to understand
Gibo's views and plans for the country.
PART 1

PART 2

(The intro of this article sounds a little bitter--this is the Inquirer after all--
but the facts can't be denied :)
From Philippine Daily Inquirer:
Davao City’s influential pastor
prays over Teodoro

February 11, 2010 20:42:00
Jeffrey M. Tupas

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—It all happened Thursday afternoon inside the prayer house, the holiest place in the sprawling “Prayer Mountain” in Barangay Tamayong here.

The prayer was only about two minutes short, but the happiness that it brought to the faces of those who were obviously anticipating it lingered even when they were already exploring the other areas of the prayer mountain.

They all had the reasons to celebrate— someone perceived to be politically influential and widely respected religious leader was the one asking God— he being the Son of God himself —to shower their presidential bet with blessings enough for him to become the country’s next president.

“Bless him because without your blessing there is nothing that we can do…I am praying for my friend’s victory—that he becomes the president of this country,” Pastor Apollo Quiboloy said.

Sitting on a chair, Lakas-Kampi presidential bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro’s head was slightly titled to his left shoulder to where the right hand of Quiboloy was as he prayed.

The select people who were around were apparently surprised by the prayer of Quiboloy, leader of the internationally followed Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every Name.

After the short prayer, Teodoro and Quiboloy hugged.

Those who surrounded them left the prayer house with their faces all painted with satisfied smiles. Even Gibo could not conceal the smile on his face minutes after the prayer over.

In his prayer, the influential Quiboloy said only God could assure Teodoro of the presidency.

“Kami ay dumadalangin at sumasamo sa inyo, habang akin pong inihahandog ang aking kaibigan (Gibo Teodoro) at ang kanyang desire at kanyang misyon, sa kanyang pagtakbo ngayon bilang presidential candidate, na ang inyo pong pagpapala ay mapasakanya. Na siya po ay inyong pangungunahan,” the pastor said. (We pray and appeal to You, as I offer my friend and his desire and mission as a presidential candidate, that You give Your blessings to him. That he shall be favored by You.)

“Nananalig po kaming lahat na sa inyo pong kalooban, kami ay sumasandal at nananalig, na kung kakasiyahan ninyo si Gibo na maging presidente ng aming bansa, ang pagpapala nyo ay dumapo sa kanya. Kung sya ang mapili ninyo, bibigyan ninyo sya ng kumpletong kaalaman, karunungan at pang-unawa,” he added. (We have faith in Your will, and that if Gibo becomes the next president of the country, You shall give him complete knowledge, wisdom and understanding.)

The prayer came after more than three hours of chit-chat between Quiboloy and Teodoro, who came with at least six of his local supporters, including Sarangani Province Gov. Miguel Dominguez, national chair of the Lakas-Kampi party.

From the prayer house, the next stop of the tour was to the Pastoral Mansion— Quiboloy’s mansion, that, again, not even President Macapagal-Arroyo was invited to.

“Let’s go to my house. Not everyone is invited in…but Gibo is an exemption,” Quiboloy said.

Onboard a chopper that he himself had driven, Teodoro earlier in the day told that the media that his meeting with Quiboloy was not to include politics, stressing that politics would be unfit to be discussed in the prayer mountain in Tamayong.

“We share common faith- that will be the center of our meeting. I have met him several times in the past already and we have always talked about our faith in God…Politics? Not in the prayer mountain,” he said.

Teodoro said the meeting with Quiboloy would be “private.”

Teodoro landed past 11 a.m. and was later joined in his meeting with Quiboloy by Dominguez, Davao del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo and Presidential Consultant for Mindanao Madeleine “Bebot” Marfori. Two businessmen also joined them.

The talks with Quiboloy at the prayer mountain’s Victoria’s Restaurant lasted for more than three hours, over sumptuous lunch and a variety of fresh tropical fruits, including durian and marang.

The discussion varied from the mundane to the serious, including the Marlene Aguilar-Jason Ivler fiasco, how often Quiboloy leaves the country, the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Stalin and Hitler, African ethnocide to the love of the Filipinos of democracy.

After the “private” meeting, Quiboloy toured his guests around the high-fenced prayer mountain, surrounded by Cavendish banana plantations and pineapple plantations.

Nobody could say if praying for Gibo was a spontaneous move on Quiboloy’s part.

Asked later by media if the prayer was as good as an endorsement, Quiboloy said it was not.

“It was prayer. If there will be an endorsement, I will announce that later,” he said.

As to when, Quiboloy said it depended on the “divine intervention.”

“When? We will see. I am still not complete with my prayers and meditation to the Lord. And whenever I am ready, it would be my congregation who gets to know about it first. They will be the first to know about the guidance that I will receive from the Lord,” he said.

As of now, he said, God has not revealed to him yet the best person to lead the country starting 2010— the person who has the genuine heart to the country and the Filipino people.

Gibo Tops Ateneo Mock Polls

2010-02-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

The Blue Eagles are flying high with our President! Lipad tayo!

A miracle! ABS-CBN gave Gibo 27 seconds of non-negative coverage!

From the Philippine Star:
Gibo beats Noynoy in Ateneo mock polls
By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated February 14, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro has won over his cousin, Liberal Party (LP) bet Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, in mock polls at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Ateneo’s school organ, The Guidon, has bannered “Gibo triumphs in mock polls” and explained how Teodoro beat Aquino in the mock polls among Ateneans conducted by the Sanggunian and Ateneo commission on elections.

Noynoy’s father, the martyred former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., wrote in the school paper under the late Max Soliven.

In The Guidon report, Teodoro received 598 votes against Aquino’s 589 in the poll of 1,721 students out of the Ateneo’s roster of 7,758 students.

“This is consistent with mock polls conducted all over the country in various educational institutions in all economic class Gibo has consistently topped them all hands down,” Teodoro spokesman Mike Toledo said.

Toledo said the organizers of the mock polls were even surprised by the results, since they were expecting Aquino, an Atenean, to beat Teodoro.

Sanggunian secretary-general and Blue Vote overseer Kacci Morales said the results came as a surprise.

For Blue Vote co-project head and course representative Robert Lance Chua, the result was a pleasant surprise.

“Knowing Ateneans, they support Aquino because of his parents and the legacy that they brought,” he said.

Chua said he believes in Teodoro despite his association with the Arroyo administration.

“Even if I argue in my head that the winner should have been Noynoy... at the end of the day, the results would show that Gibo Teodoro won, possibly with the detail that he won by nine votes,” Morales added.

Toledo said the Ateneo poll confirmed Teodoro’s surge in college and university campuses nationwide.

Teodoro, the youngest among the frontrunners in the May polls, has been leading in some mock elections in colleges and universities.

Meanwhile, Toledo also noted the outpouring of support for Teodoro from 25,000 students of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU).

Teodoro made a surprise visit to OLFU celebration of its foundation day at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. OLFU has campuses in Quezon City, Antipolo and Valenzuela City.

Gibo: Most Dateable Presidentiable - Yahoo! Poll

2010-02-09T19:30:00.000-08:00

Yahoo's Valentine question:
“If you could date a Philippine presidential candidate on Valentine's Day,
who would you choose and why?”

The results:
93 Gibo
63 Noynoy
55 Villar
42 Bro. Eddie
28 Gordon
13 Jamby
9 Erap

Our President is HOT!

Girls go wild :)

Happy Valentine's Day to our First Couple!

Campaign Kicks Off to a Roaring Start in Antipolo!

2010-02-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

Ynares Stadium in Antipolo, February 9, 2010
Some biased media tried to downplay the turnout, but the photos say it all. And the media's own crowd estimates proved that Gibo's kickoff had a great number of attendees!

Crowd estimates:

Philippine Daily Inquirer = 12,000
(A little harsh as always, Inquirer said some seats in the bleachers were empty. But that's because no one was asked to sit behind the stage since they wouldn't be able to see. Inquirer did say that the crowd including the ones outside hit 12,000 :)

GMANews.TV = 10,000-15,000

Philippine Star = 30,000

(Inquirer's crowd estimate for Manny Villar's kickoff in Laguna was 3,000. There were no crowd estimates for Noynoy Aquino's kickoff.)

Photos by Facebook fan Joser M.

Joser's message:
"guys abangan niyo ang campaign rally ni gibo sa mga lugar niyo.. iexperience niyo ang green atmosphere.. pakalinis talaga, wala silang sinasabing masama sa iba, puro respeto at pagkakaisa ang lalabas sa bibig nila.. lalo na si gibo.. ^_^ ipost niyo rin mga pics dito o yung experiences niyo.. lets start something great and we want to see updates sa mga rally ni gibo.. ^_^ sarap ng pakiramdam, its my first time and it doesnt get any bigger than this.. XD"

Imam of Antipolo says a prayer for Gibo

Rivermaya!!!

Action starz!

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's Bello!

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's a plane!

(This photo by Facebook fan Paz M)

February 22, 2010 Activity

2010-02-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Looking for something to do on the February 22, 2010 holiday? Bring your family and friends to a tree-planting and palengke walk activity with some Greenies!

Date: Monday, February 22, 2010

Meeting Time: 6:30 am at Gibo Volunteer Center, EDSA (Southbound Edsa, across Poveda, near Robinsons Galleria.).

There will be a motorcade to venue of tree planting (exact place to be announced but within Metro Manila), followed by a Market Walk to three markets!

Message Andrew M on Facebook to be counted! Please indicate how many in your party and if you're bringing a car.

Bring your own drinking water and snacks!

Gibo Gets Warmest Welcome at Inquirer Forum in UP

2010-02-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

UP Theater, Diliman, February 8, 2010

Watch video of Gibo at the Inquirer forum

Gibo fans swarm at main entrance

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer:
Most rousing welcome from audience: Gibo and Manny
Most applauded answers: (In this order) Sen. Jamby Madrigal (on Sen. Manny Villar’s ads), Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro (his mother-in-law) and Richard “Dick” Gordon (on Erap’s rerun)
Mothers-in-law favorite: Gibo
Most substantive answers: Dick, Gibo, Nick Perlas
Most standing tall: Gibo
Most photographed person in the audience: Nikki Teodoro

Gibo fans in green-on-white and white-on-green waiting for theater doors to open

Bikers for Gibo

Lining the route

Beat boys for Gibo!

Man's best friend for Gibo!

"Welcome home, Iskolar ng Bayan. G1BO TEODORO. Outstanding Alumnus of Batch '89. Bar topnotcher. Galing at talino."

A lot of people protesting Hacienda Luisita . . . (Gibo is not connected to Hacienda Luisita, they're protesting vs. the other candidate who is)

Mga Iskolar ng Bayan, para kay Gibo

So who's the most presidential of them all?

The choice is obvious :)

As usual, last to leave the building because mobbed :)

Photos by Facebook fans Maite Q, Victor B, Joyce M, and G Squad

Gibo at the Philippine Daily Inquirer Forum in UP

2010-02-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

February 8, 2010

Click here to see photos of the crowd that swarmed in UP to support Gibo!

PART 1
(reproductive health bill, mining and indigenous people's rights, mother-in-law)

PART 2
(restiveness of military, Sangguniang Kabataan)

PART 3
(corruption in Bureau of Customs, oligarchic structure of economy)

PART 4
(economic opportunities missed due to impression of corruption and actual corruption, the sector that would be Sec. Teodoro's number one priority)

Gibo Wins People Power 1 Anniversary Mock Poll in La Salle Greenhills

2010-02-07T23:36:00.000-08:00

Cory Aquino's wake was held in La Salle Greenhills.

Cory Aquino's NAMFREL did their tally in La Salle Greenhills during EDSA 1.

But who won the mock polls held on Feb 25, the anniversary of EDSA?

G1BO!

Teodoro - 677, Aquino - 637, Gordon - 165, Villar - 141, Estrada - 85, Perlas - 30, Villanueva - 23, Madrigal - 11, Acosta - 9, De Los Reyes - 8 Total - 1,786 (results from OneLaSalle)

Congratulations to the president the Filipino people can be proud of!

Gibo also beat Noynoy in Ateneo, another Aquino stronghold. More here.

Ilocanos and the Solid North for Gibo

2010-02-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

Gibo is the only one among the presidential candidates who is fluent in Ilocano!

With Ilocos Norte Governor Michael Keon

At University of Northern Philippines in Vigan, February 3, 2010

In Nueva Ecija

Batangas State University Welcomes Gibo

2010-02-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

Gibo Guest-Anchors on TV5's The Evening News (TEN)

2010-02-05T03:51:00.000-08:00

(February 5, 2010)

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

Best Fan Art & Pix - Week of Feb 15-21, 2010

2010-02-01T05:51:00.000-08:00

Paris Hilton for Gibo. Haha! (From Facebook fan Eric D.)

Lucky fans from Davao get to see Gibo. Davao peeps were the ones who came up with the "I Think Therefore I Am for Gibo" T-shirt :)

At Laiya Beach in Batangas, but still proudly wearing green! (From Facebook fan Sherlyn M.)

(From Facebook fan Ace D.)

(From Facebook fan Nami N.)

"Mr. President Gibo, sayo po kaming taga Ormoc... kuha ko po toh nong pumunta ka rito... we fully support you... kasama nyo po kami sa paglipad...!" (From Facebook fan Joseph S.)

"i hope you guys remebered my snackaroo friends who were for gibo... waiters and cooks, i promised them that ill bring them some ballers... here they are guys.. solid GIBO supporters..." (From Facebook fan Yeshter B.)

(From Facebook fan Ace D.)

"sana magkaroon tayo ulit ng pangulong mapagmamalaki natin paris noong panahon ng mga lolo, lola, tatay at nanay natin. . . .minsan lang kung dumating ang ganitong pagkakataon. . . wag natin sayangin ito. . . iboto" (From Facebook fan Glen G.)

Gibonatics at Star City! (From Facebook fan Takeshi H.)

RVM nuns make their own Gibo shirts! (From Facebook fan Jennie C.)

Gibonatics in Cebu

A Gibo fan! Literally! On her wedding day too! This was spotted in Cavite. (From Facebook fan Milo I.)

Many fans have their own tarps made (From Facebook fan Jufhel H.)

At Baywalk (From Facebook fan Maite Q.)

A fan's specially made Gibo bag (From Facebook fan Sandra B.)

Gibo drops by Mall of Asia

"I remember this Muslim woman running after G1BO at MOA last Saturday. She was so excited she was hugging him. Now for a Muslim woman to do that is not very easy because he isn't her husband or in any way related." (From Facebook fan Ardee L.)

(From Facebook fan Marty H.)

(From Facebook fan Cristine S.)

(From Facebook fan Mary Jane P.)

(From Facebook fan Mirasol C.)

(From Facebook fan Robertson P.)

(From Facebook fan Eric D.)

(From Facebook fan Papa J.)

(From Facebook fan Glenn G.)

Gibo drops by a volunteer meeting in Cebu. Very positive and calming aura, as usual :) (From Facebook fan Melvin A.)

Mobbed at the Cebu Parkmall entrance (From Facebook fan Mary Jane P.)

Best Fan Art & Pix - Week of Feb 8-14, 2010

2010-02-01T04:29:00.000-08:00

Spotted at the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark (from Facebook fan Mayleine O)
So many fans designing their own shirts!

From Facebook fan Francis G.

From Facebook fan Cristine S.

"Forgot to remove my G1BO baller I.D. in a photoshoot" (from Facebook fan Victor B.)

Valentine from Facebook fan Ka R.

From Facebook fan Juddah J.

From Facebook fan H.C.C.N.

From Facebook fan JB V.

From Facebook fan Ana Z.

From Facebook fan Gene Michael G

From Facebook fan Courtney C

From Facebook fan Grace Marie B

Facebook fan Honey P. from Cagayan de Oro had her own Gibo tarps made!

Gibo farm by Facebook fan John S.M.

From Facebook fan Chadz A.P.

From Facebook fan Tiziana D.

"Bona Cafe baristas are super GREEN!" (From Facebook fan Maite Q.)

"GREEN Caltex Gas Guy..." (From Facebook fan Maite Q.)

"Hello GREEN Krispy Kremers!" (From Facebook fan Maite Q.)

(From Facebook fan Kristine T.)

"Lakas-Kampi-CMD president Migs Dominguez, governor of Sarangani, in an open forum during the gathering of supporters of Gibo Teodoro for President Movement Monday, February 1, at a seafood restaurant in General Santos City." (From Facebook fan Annie F.)

"Oroquieta City admin for Gibo!" (From Facebook fan Lily C.)

Best Fan Art & Pix - Week of Feb 1-7, 2010

2010-02-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

GREEN + JETS + GIBO= #1 ...TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (from Facebook fan Gerard A)

Pilots for Gibo (from Facebook fan John J)

Man's best friend for Gibo (from Facebook fan Roy B)

Gibo apparel (from Facebook fan Ian D)

Gibo in Ilocos with Guv Michael Keon, who looks like Robert de Niro! (from Facebook fan Dran M)

Airsoft Community para kay Defense Sec. Gibo Teodoro!!!! Hoorah!! (from Facebook fan Bun T.B.)

Gibo "Theodore"-O! (from Facebook fan Chadz A.P.)

Read it forward and upside-down.. :D GALING-TALINO (from Facebook fan Gene Michael G)

(from Facebook fan Amadeus L)

(from Facebook fan Sandra B)

(from Facebook fan Gene Michael G)

(from Facebook fan Claudine C)

(from Facebook fan Jay A)

(From Facebook fan Angelica A)

"Just to share with u guys.. our dad and son project for tonight.. wahehehe hay.. hirap maging karpentero.." (From Facebook fan BNK from Dagupan)

"actually my dad shared to me that a campaign coordinator of MV wascontracting him that they want to rent that whole roof of our familybusiness.. but my father told them that "my son will get mad at me so its only allotted for gibo and his candidate for mayor". we laugh each other while hammering the frame of the tarp..... our family business is located at a busy highway so many of the candidates is interested to post there.. Well sorry to them its just for GIBO and my mayoralty candidate here in dagupan city.."

(From Facebook fan Jose G.)

(From Facebook fan Ka R.)

(From Facebook fan Ayana P.)

Best Fan Art & Pix - Week of Feb 22-28, 2010

2010-02-01T00:21:00.000-08:00

As you passby again here @ CABLE CAR PASAY RD, MAKATI, Sir your meal is on the house! Continue our task Sir, You'll be our next great President! (From Facebook fan Sherwin V.)

"We thank Rev. Fr. Kleopas for meeting with Green Team Gensan and polishing some campaign ideas. May I present to you, the core group of Green Team Gensan and Koronadal!" (From Facebook fan Paco E.)

(From Facebook fan Ian C.)

Facebook fan Ardee L. produces his own campaign materials!

(From Facebook fan Kenneth V.)

(From Facebook fan Ian C.)

(From Facebook fan Ace D.)

In Muntinlupa (From Facebook fan Juliet T.)

In Muntinlupa (From Facebook fan Randy T.)

(From Facebook fan Macoy M.)

(From Facebook fan Bandada)

(From Facebook fan Angela D.)

In Las Pinas (From Facebook fan Yeng A.)

Gen San volunteers with their volunteer sheets (From Facebook fan Paco E.)

Spotted in Cebu

Davao volunteers campaigning

Gibo drops by a meeting of volunteers in Cebu last week. He talks in Cebuano at the end of his speech! The screaming gets really loud in that part :)
(From Facebook fan Eric D.)

Greenies go on Divisoria Walk (From G-Squad)

(From Facebook fan Geraldine A.)

"LIPAD" - Rivermaya's New Song for Gibo

2010-01-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

"When I first heard Gibo's Radio Ad, I was blown away by this line "Sa pananaw ko, matagal na nating gustong lumipad". Tama siya eh. Hindi lumpo ang taong bayan. Nanggigigil tayong lahat kasi magagaling tayo pero ang daming humahadlang. We just need the right person in the cockpit and Rivermaya believes that Gibo is THE one. Gibo's words of wisdom have given birth to a new song from Rivermaya, and this song is for everybody, especially the graduating students of 2010. Eto na po! Handa na tayong lumipad! :)"
- Facebook post by Mark Escueta of Rivermaya
Download "Lipad" ringtone for free!

"LIPAD"

Harapin ang hamon ng pag-asa
Harapin ang hamon ng bagong simula

Kay tagal mo nang gustong lumipad
Ngunit pangarap mo’y bihag ng kahirapan
Matagal mo nang gustong umangat
Handa ka na pero napabayaan
Hindi mo kasalanan
Panahon na
Gumising
Hawak mo ang susi sa mundo
Sumama
Para sa lahat ng biyahe
Gibo!

Harapin ang hamon ng pag-asa
Harapin ang hamon ng bagong simula
Pangarap mo’y kusa na lang matutupad
Ngayong handa ka nang lumipad
Ngayong handa ka nang lumipad
Lumipad
Lumipad
Lumipad
Ngayong handa ka nang lumipad

Sulong Gibo!
Sulong Gibo!

Panahon na
Lumaban
Hawak mo ang susi sa mundo
Manalig
Kasama si Gibo
Ligtas tayo

Harapin ang hamon ng pag-asa
Harapin ang hamon ng bagong simula
Pangarap mo’y kusa na lang matutupad
Ngayong handa ka nang lumipad
Ngayong handa ka nang lumipad
Lumipad
Lumipad
Lumipad
Lumipad
Lumipad
Lumipad
Lumipad
Lumipad

Sulong Gibo! Lipad tayo . . .

"Ang kantang "Lipad" ng Rivermaya ay regalo ng Rivermaya at ni Gibo sa lahat ng estudyante, lalo na ang graduating students of 2010. Since we agree with Gibo Teodoro's vision for our youth and his plan for our country, we agreed that a version of this song would be used in Gibo's ad, which turned out to be more of a music video than an ad. Both Rivermaya and Team Gibo wanted something different that would set us apart from the traditional political ad. We support Gibo not only as Rivermaya but also as responsible citizens of the Phlippines, and for this we did not expect any payment for our participation. We are not endorsers because endorsers are paid, like you, we are supporters! Our only request was that we be allowed to give away the song "Lipad" for FREE. Very soon, it will be part of a free bonus CD that will be given to students with valid IDs. The bonus CD will also include an acoustic version of "Lipad" and an acoustic version of our other single called "Ambotsa" short for "Ambot sa imo". This is Rivermaya's first song featuring english, tagalog and bisaya lyrics. You may also listed to all it on our own facebook page at www.facebook.com/rivermayamusic. Maraming salamat :)"
Facebook message of Rivermaya's Mark Escueta

Rivermaya's Mark Escueta with Gibo

Rivermaya's Jayson Fernandez with Gibo

Thank you, Rivermaya. You guys are the best.

(The truth about the Rico Blanco issue)

Galing at Talino Reigns at UP Manila, PGH

2010-01-31T04:29:00.000-08:00

Gibo visited UP Manila on January 27, 2010 for the "Make Health Count" forum
sponsored by the University Student Council.

Gibo with PGH (Philippine General Hospital) Director Jose Gonzales and former Health Secretary Alberto Romualdez (photo from PGH website)

Fan Video of "Lipad" by Rivermaya

2010-01-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

My favorite part is the Lola on 3:12.

Cebu Goes Wild for Gibo

2010-01-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

The police had to hold back the crowds. That's how wild they were for our president at the Choices & Voices Forum in Cebu on January 22, 2010 :)

From Manila Times, January 24, 2010:

Gibo charmed Cebu, won mock polls

Cebuanos overwhelmingly chose Lakas-Kampi CMD presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. over other presidential candidates shortly after a groundbreaking forum held in the vote-rich province the other day.

A crowd of more than 2,000 from all walks of life erupted into thunderous cheers for Teodoro as he entered the Cebu International Convention Center to present his platform of government alongside other presidential candidates.

At the end of the three-hour forum, Teodoro was proclaimed winner in the mock polls conducted after the program.

Out of 935 votes cast, Teodoro got 456 votes, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd got 296 votes, followed by Sen. Manny Villar, 88; Sen. Richard Gordon, 45; Bother Eddie Villanueva, 29; former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, 19; and Nicolas Perlas, 2.

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.

The forum was jointly organized by the province’s three major business chambers—the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cebu Business Club—and the Aboitiz Equity Ventures and the Visayan Electric Co.

Together with the other presidential candidates, Teodoro signed a covenant committing himself to “peaceful and clean elections as well as transparency and good governance.”

The covenant also searches “for a meaningful moral and political change that shall transform our nation into one where people achieve their dreams and where the common good is promoted and upheld.”

Among those who attended the forum were Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu, Mayor Jonas Cortes of Mandaue City, Cebu Business Club President Gordon Alan Joseph and Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Eric Ng Mendoza.

* * *
After the results of the mock poll were released, the camp of one candidate complained that the poll was biased. The organizers issued a formal statement denying this. That candidate's supporters also claimed they were not allowed inside the venue. But many other supporters of other candidates were also not able to get inside because the venue was full.

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 26, 2010:

‘No hakot crowd in forum’

ORGANIZERS of last Friday's presidential forum at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) refuted allegations of unequal distribution of the 2,000 tickets to the event.

In a statement, top officials of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cebu Business Club debunked reports that a large number of supporters of administration presidential bet Gilbert Teodoro Jr. were allowed to enter the CICC plenary hall.

They reiterated that supporters of the candidates were not involved in the mock elections held by the Ateneo Graduate School of Business after the “Choices and Voices” forum that showed Teodoro winning by a substantial margin.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia also denied any involvement in the presidential forum.

She said allegation that there was a “hakot (gathering) crowd” was an insult to the Cebu business community.

“It's a question on their credibility. We are talking here of prestigious business groups,” said Garcia.

She said she only convinced Teodoro to attend the presidential forum.

Forum organizers said each presidential candidate was allocated 250 seats for their supporters at the Summit Hall.

They said the mock elections counted 956 out of the 2,000 ticket holders inside the plenary hall.

Of the 2,000 tickets, only 160 or eight percent were divided among Cebu government officials.

“The ‘no ticket, no entry’ policy was strictly enforced and the ingress points were closely monitored by senior directors of the organizing business organizations,” the statement read.

They said such reports were patently inaccurate and unfair.

The statement also broke down the distribution of the 2,000 tickets sold to the people who attended the “Choices and Voices” presidential forum.

About 30 tickets were each issued to the presidential candidates for their guests while 42 tickets were each given to the Mactan Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as the friends and family of businessman Jun Pelaez, a mayoralty candidate of Lapu-Lapu City.

The remaining 1,623 tickets were then distributed to different chambers and clubs in Mandaue.

They include the Cebu Bankers Club, Phil. Retailers Association, Rotary Club of Cebu, Phil-Export, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FINEX, civil society, the academe and the students.

The Department of Education (DepEd), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the staff of Sen. Mar Roxas received five tickets each.

Local government officials who received tickets were Governor Garcia, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna, Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, the Lapu-Lapu City Mayor’s Office, Antique Gov. Sally Perez and Presidential Assistant Felix Guanzon.

Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda said their office received 20 tickets and gave six of them to Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann delos Santos whose Kusug party is not affiliated with any presidential candidate.

Garcia said that like Teodoro, she was unsure about attending the forum since it was scheduled on the last day of the Suroy Suroy sa Sugbu southern heritage trail.

She said she and Antique Gov. Sally Saldevar Perez were unable to cast their votes since they were tabulated before the forum ended.

Garcia said organizers decided to issue tickets to control the number of people attending the forum.

She said the mock election results was expected since Teodoro impressed the CICC crowd with his clear answers.

“There are even those who probably because of media hype or name recall, supported another candidate. But maybe after the forum, they changed their minds (into supporting Teodoro),” said Garcia.

Garcia said the Liberal Party (LP) camp may be sour graping when they questioned the outcome of last Friday's mock election especially since they are used to leading the surveys.

“Maybe (Sen.) Noynoy's (Aquino) camp is scared because they got the jolt right here in Cebu where time and again we have proven that Cebu has the intelligent vote,” she said.

Garcia's One Cebu party along with several Central Visayas governors voiced their support for Teodoro's presidential bid.

But the administration party still has to announce its choices for the vice-president and the senators.

A Facebook Fan's Close Encounter With Gibo in Cebu

2010-01-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken by Liberty C., one of Gibo's Facebook fans in Cebu. Lib posted these pictures in Gibo's Facebook to update the other fans after she got home from the Choices & Voices Forum held in Cebu on January 22, 2010. Lib's comments were so detailed the other fans felt like they were there :) See her comments below.

grabe ang cheer nung pumasok xa =)

buntot ako ng buntot sknya mula loob gang labas kahit ang rough nung suit nya ahah!naapakan ko pa xa kasi nkhwk ako sknya e natigil kasi nga d mkdaan ahahah!i lab u gibo!^^

sorry blurry ha?andami kasi tlg nagpipic ung kamay ko naano nga ng isang cam nung cameramn hahaahh

tlgng dinumog.teary eyed xa nung pglbas nmin andami2 nya suporters

he was the last one to get out of cicc kasi dinumog tlg xa.and it was amazing kasi when we got out of the plenary hall andami2 tao sa labas puro green pati sa lobby may chant pang "galing at talino gibo tedoro".tas ung mga police nakalinya.un bang parang xa ung president.sa kanya lng nangyari un^^

we cnt get enaf of him.gang sa pumasok xa sa car nakabuntot ako haahah

Guests Overflow at Manila Polo Club Dinner

2010-01-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

“We were expecting from 500 to 700 guests but a thousand came.”

From the Philippine Star, January 21, 2010:

MANILA, Philippines - A fellowship night among schoolmates that subsequently turned into a fund-raising drive spearheaded by Xavier School Batch ’81 in support of the presidential bid of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro turned into a blockbuster event.

This, after guests and supporters literally packed the exclusive Manila Polo Club at Forbes Park in Makati City Tuesday evening, all willing to dish out a P2,500 ticket fee in exchange for a table space and dinner set of vegetable salad, sotanghon soup, chicken adobo for the main course and buko pandan for dessert.

“What is P2,500 for the much-needed bonding among us long lost friends who went our separate ways after spending the best years of our high school days together... and I want to be counted in for Gibo,” a Xavier high school alumnus from a separate table was overheard as telling a friend.

STAR Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, Miguel Belmonte and other schoolmates that sponsored the fellowship attended the event.

Belmonte and Teodoro were classmates at Xavier School.

Taking the center stage later, Teodoro told schoolmates and supporters coming from the country’s so-called rich and famous that he is seeking the highest post of the land not for himself but for the sake of “our children’s children.” “Our children and our children’s children do not deserve a continuation of what the country is now,” Teodoro declared, referring to the current economic and political problems the whole nation is facing.

He said that while he could not promise heaven if elected president, he vowed to pursue reforms and programs of change and that when his six-year term ends, the country would be in a better position to be competitive with other progressive neighboring states.

One step at a time

To do this, Teodoro said he intends to work one step at a time, piece by piece to advance the country’s competitiveness, while admitting that competitive advancement do not come for free nowadays.

“We have to drive continuously to improve. A holier than thou attitude for this country... that we are better than them... that we just need something. Then we are very wrong,” Teodoro told his supporters from the so-called A bracket of society.

Happy with the outpouring support he got from his Xavier schoolmates as well as business and private groups, Teodoro’s presidential bid was also endorsed by former La Salle University System president Bro. Rolando Dizon. Now fighting cancer, Dizon, in his letter read during fellowship at Manila Polo Club, described Teodoro as the country’s best hope in the May elecitons.

“As I see and hear your (Teodoro’s) name, I am increasingly convinced that you really are the best candidate for president,” said Bro. Dizon in his letter to Teodoro.

The letter was read by Teodoro’s high school classmate, lawyer Ernest Maceda, before the huge gathering of former De La Salle and Xavier School alumni, businessmen, and supporters.

Xavier Class of ‘81 and the “Mahal Ko Bayan Ko,” whose alumni include Belmonte, Maceda and Teodoro, hosted the event. “Focus your campaign on young voters who stand to gain or lose most in next May’s elections,” Dizon urged Teodoro.

The former La Salle president even offered Teodoro his unsocilidated advice, that is for him (Teodoro) to go and continue with his school sorties saying this would offset and overcome public criticisms on being linked to the most “unpopular president” that the country has ever had, referring to President Arroyo.

“If I may offer unsolicited advice from one La Sallian to another, visit major colleges and universities as this would start a bandwagon for other sectors,” the much-admired educator said.

Aside from Belmonte, other luminaries who showed up at the gathering were former Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza, Anthony Tony Oposa, Ambassadors Bienvenido Tantoco and Isabelle Wilson, Lasallian Jack Rodriguez and former Movie, Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairman Manuel Morato, as well as known businessmen.

Event organizers apologized for causing traffic jam in the McKinley Parkway area because of the rush of last-minute guests. Others have to leave after finding no space for parking. “We were expecting from 500 to 700 guests but a thousand came,” Evelyn Kilayko, one of the organizers said.

Rivermaya Concert in Iloilo with Gibo

2010-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Rock star reception for our president in Iloilo!
The concert was held on January 18, 2010.
There is no problem between Gibo and Rivermaya :)
There are more concerts lined up.

Faces from Takbo Para Kay Gibo

2010-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Reporters interview President Teodoro on the amazing turnout--3,000 fans paid to join the fun run on January 16, 2010, without any PR, advertising, or celebrity come-ons :) The event was promoted by fans and volunteers only through President Teodoro's Facebook site.

Puppy runs for Gibo! (I found out on Facebook her name is Bella)

Fans of all generations came. Lolos and Lolas had their own special shirts!

A fan based abroad posted this photo on President Teodoro's Facebook when he got back to the UK the day after the run.

Pacquiao lookalike!

More photos from Takbo Para Kay Gibo here.

3,000 Join Takbo Para Kay Gibo

2010-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

On January 16, 2010, more than 3,000 people showed up at the fun run organized by Facebook volunteers of President Teodoro. With no advertising, no PR, no celebrities, people from all walks of life came. Some flew in from faraway provinces. Some flew in from abroad, just to join the run. Each one paid for their race kit that was sold in Nike stores.

An amazing phenomenon that shows people can tell whose cause is real and whose vision is true :)

my fave photo from the run, taken by the dad of Facebook fan Francis G

From Philippine Star:
3,000 join Gibo fun run
Updated January 17, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Around 3,000 runners supporting the presidential bid of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. participated in a fun run at The Fort in Taguig City yesterday.

“I am humbled by the number of volunteers present here today,” Teodoro said, as he ran alongside the volunteers clad in Teodoro’s signature color, green. The run is dubbed “Go Green, Takbo Para sa Pagbabago.”

Joining Teodoro in the early morning run, which has three-kilometer and five-kilometer categories, is his wife, Rep. Tarlac 1st District Rep. Nikki Prieto-Teodoro, and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

Ermita’s presence doused speculations on the supposed falling out of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD elders and leaders.

“This signals the snowballing of support. Rest assured that we will repay the trust of the people,” Teodoro said, adding that the outpouring of support “shows that efforts of disseminating information about our platform of governance are bearing fruit.” – Jaime Laude

Best Fan Videos

2010-01-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Gibo Teodoro - A Preview
by fan jehril

jehril's message: "If there's one more gift I'd ask of you, Lord,
it would be peace here on earth."

MasaparakayGIBO's message: The video the whole country must hear & see. HELP GIBO BE KNOWN &TRUSTED by OTHER PINOYS by sharing this SINCERE & BEAUTIFUL declaration of love & intent. Guaranteed, it will move you. So share it with the folks in your barangays, invite them to watch this in your home or at the corner store with you, or thru emails."

Gibo Teodoro - Katangian ng Pinuno
by fan WARSUG

WARSUG's message: A multi-dialect track written for Mr. G1BO Waray, Chavacano, Bisaya, Tagalog

Takbo Para Kay Gibo MTV

by fan monixdeona

Why Gibo?

by fan garju101

garju101's message: "Gibo Teodoro is a leader Filipinos can be proud of. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, UN Secretary General between 1992-1997, once said that Leadership is underpinned by the following qualities: Vision, Eloquence, a Cooperative-Spirit and Courage. All attributes Gibo Teodoro have been able to demonstrate. My sincerest thanks to a number of people on Flickr for sharing their photos, albeit I can't name them all. Do please message me privately if you happen to see your photo on the video and I shall acknowledge your photo appropriately. My sincerest thanks to GIBO Teodoro's Flickr account, who ever might be maintaining it, for uploading recent photos of GIBO. My sincerest thanks to you who found time to watch the video and learn about GIBO. I'm but an ordinary Filipino currently living away from our country that has been inspired by the Competence , Intelligence and Integrity of GIBO Teodoro. This Video is dedicated to all GIBO supporters and volunteers."

Sigaw ng Pilipino, Tara Na!
by fan garju101

garju101's message: "This video is a rallying cry to invite more Filipinos to vote smart and join the movement for positive change and solutions for the country. Gibo Teodoro is the only presidential candidate that centres his campaign on Platforms, Positive Change and Solutions.

My sincerest gratitude to Gibo Volunteers and Supporters who shared their photos on Gibo's Facebook account. I don't have a facebook account my self but I regularly check his wall for updates. The theme "Dream" is not mine but by Douglas Black Heaton. No copyright infringement intended. His other work can be found on his website at:

http://www.douglasblackheaton.com/"

The Future Has Arrived

by fan agentmori

agentmori's message: "Respect history, but don't get stuck in the past.

Move forward with Gibo. Face the Future with Gibo Teodoro!"

"We Have a Hero"

Gibo rap video by the dad of Facebook fan Aly O

Behind the Scenes at the Shoot of "Lipad"

2010-01-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

“When all of us were starting to learn Mandarin, Gibo was already speaking

Ilokano, Kapampangan, Ilonggo, Spanish, and French.

And when we were learning how to drive, he was already flying a plane.”

- Ernest Maceda, classmate from Xavier '81

(Quote from column of Jullie Yap Daza, Jan 20, 2010, Manila Bulletin)

Teodoro sa Basilan, Biruan sa Tropa

2010-01-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

Report of Bing Formento, DZRH, July 22, 2009:

"Mahal kita, Mommy!"

Air Force, Navy, Army Give Send-Off for Gibo

2010-01-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

Report of Bing Formento, DZRH, November 15, 2009:

Hindi daw makakalimutan ng mga tauhan ng Defense Department at Armed Forces of the Philippines ang magagandang halimbawa sa paglilingkod sa bayang ipinakita ni Gilbert Teodoro, ayon kay Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Victor Ibrado.

"We hate to have him go because he has been a very, very effective Secretary of National Defense. He has led us well. He has inspired us. But it's really time to go, we wish him all the best. I'm sure that wherever he will be, whatever position that he will occupy in government later on,
he will do the country good. No doubt about it."
- AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado

"Kami ay nalulungkot dahil paalis na si Secretary Teodoro. Kung mababatid niyo, isa siya sa mga kasamahan natin, isa siyang reservist sa Philippine Air Force, and he's also an aviator. Malapit siya sa Philippine Air Force. In fact, flying ang first love niya, kaya may kasamang lungkot ang kanyang pag-alis. But alam ko naman na merong mas mataas na calling para sa kanya, and we have accepted that. What is important is, kung anuman ang mga programa na nailatag niya ay dapat lang ipatupad, at ito ay ipatutupad namin. Kaya good luck na lang kay Secretary Teodoro."
- Air Force Chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena

Report of Bing Formento, DZRH, November 11, 2009:

Navy officers show off their "boses dagat" by singing to Sec. Teodoro :) Nag-duet pa si Gen. Ibrado at si Gibo!

"From the Philippine Navy, we would like to extend to our Secretary of National Defense (SND) all the best in all his future undertakings. That's why we held this Navy Send-Off for him, the same way we do for our ships and our marines whenever they go out on a mission. And just like our ships and our marines, the SND will be going out on a mission, and we hope and pray for nothing but the best for him, because we all know that his main concern is our country and our people. So, all the best for our SND, and may he continue to be blessed at all times with good health and right mind, right decisions, as he ventures into this new chapter of his life."
- Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice-Admiral Ferdinand Golez

Gibo Art Made by Fans

2010-01-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

Gibo mashable art!

Gibo farm! A digital Christmas present made by a Facebook fan for our prez last Christmas

Another Gibo farm! Took Facebook fan Meme R. six hours to make this.

And another Gibo farm by Facebook fan Pepito C!

And another Gibo farm by Facebook fan Cora C.!

Gibo's Dad, the Man Who Built SSS

2010-01-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

“He left fond memories among employees in the institution and was known for maintaining a disciplined work force and for how he protected SSS from political influences."
- Corazon de la Paz-Bernardo, former SSS President

“(Teodoro’s) term was characterized by honesty, hard work, self-sacrifice and excellence."
- Horacio Templo, SSS EVP for Operations

Gibo's dad Gilberto Teodoro, Sr. was called "Mr. SSS" because he developed the Social Security System (SSS) into what it is today. Filipino workers have him to thank for the benefits and pensions that they enjoy today. He is buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, a hero of the Filipino people in his own right.

Gibo visits his late dad before Lakas-Kampi-CMD oath-taking

From GMANews.tv, February 22, 2008:

Gilberto Teodoro Sr, the man behind the development of the Social Security System (SSS) into what it is now, died on Friday at the age of 80.

In a statement, the SSS News Service said that Teodoro died at 4:45 a.m. at the Makati Medical Center due to a lingering illness.

Called by some people as “Mr SSS," Teodoro has left an indelible mark on the lives of Filipino workers, said SSS president Corazon de la Paz-Bernardo.

“He left fond memories among employees in the institution and was known for maintaining a disciplined work force and for how he protected SSS form political influences," Bernardo said.

According to SSS executive vice president for operations Horacio Templo, “(Teodoro’s) term was characterized by honesty, hard work, self-sacrifice and excellence."

Teodoro is survived by his wife Mercedes and son Gilberto Jr., current Secretary of National Defense.

His remains are at the Heritage Memorial Park in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Interment will be on February 26, noontime, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Accomplishments

Teodoro was administrator from January 1966 to February 1986, the longest to serve as head of the SSS, which was established in 1957.

The agency was young when Teodoro became its head, and that most of the programs he initiated became the blueprint for SSS’ success.

Under Teodoro’s leadership the agency was able to launch the Educational Loan, Calamity Loan, Investment Incentive Loan Program, Small-and Medium Scale Industries Loan Program, Study-Now-Pay-Later Plan and the three-month salary loan program.

He also supervised the decentralization process of SSS operations, which speeded up processing of loans and benefits, and increased registration of wage earners and employers especially in rural areas.

The decentralization move had also allowed members to remit payments through authorized banks.

Before the decentralization, members sent payments and membership applications through mail, or appear in person at the SSS head office in Diliman, Quezon City, a costly and time-consuming process especially for members from the provinces.

Teodoro first implemented SSS Medical Care (Medicare) program in 1972, which provided cash payments for medical, surgical and hospitalization expenses of members and their beneficiaries.

Three years later, he launched the Employees’ Compensation (EC) program, which gave additional funds to members who suffered from work-related illnesses, disabilities and even death.

The administration of the Medicare program was transferred to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in 1995, but the SSS has continued to provide EC benefits to members.

Also under Teodoro’s leadership, the SSS started granting funeral and maternity benefits and survivors and dependents pension in the 1970s. In 1973, SSS coverage was extended to overseas Filipino workers and in 1980 to self-employed persons.

SSS investment income during Teodoro’s term enabled the fund to increase benefits several times over despite a slow increase in contribution rates.

Moreover, SSS fund placements in various government banking institutions had yielded high returns, which helped spur economic growth and fund public infrastructure projects. - GMANews.TV

Air Force Pilot

2010-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

President Teodoro is a licensed commercial pilot and a reserve colonel of the Philippine Air Force. His commercial pilot's license has a Learjet 31 rating, and he can fly C-130 military planes.

He used to be a lecturer of the Air Command Staff of the Philippine Air Force, and has received various awards and commendations for his aeronautical skills.

He is no ordinary pilot. He has received much recognition, such as the Basic RASS Aeronautic Badge. He was named Honorary Command Pilot in September 2000, and was awarded a Presidential Flight Crew Badge by the 250 Presidential Airlift Wing of the Philippine Air Force in August 2002.

Here's a video of President Teodoro revving up a C-130 plane.

(Info from Philippine Star, January 24, 2010)

A nice story about Gibo the pilot . . .
From Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 24, 2009:

"Evardone had an interesting anecdote about the little-known Lakas presidential bet. He recalled that in 2008, Eastern Samar was hit by a strong typhoon that completely isolated the province. Even Air Force pilots were hesitant to fly in. But he was able to contact and tell Teodoro, also the NDCC chair, about their desperate situation there. The next day Teodoro arrived with military crew aboard a C-130 plane of relief goods that he himself piloted. But what the Eastern Samareños cannot forget, said Evardone, was that Teodoro had momentarily left the wake of his late father, former SSS Administrator Gilberto Teodoro Sr., that day to come to their rescue."

Photo Shoot with Nikki

2010-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

See Mrs. Teodoro's legislative record on the website of the House of Representatives.

Resting after the shoot

With Former President Fidel V. Ramos

2010-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

FVR’S POLITICAL COLOR :: MAASIM, Sarangani (February 20, 2010) – Former President Fidel V. Ramos shows a “G1BO TEODORO 2010” wristband during the Philippine Conference on Eco-tourism and Eco-productivity “Eco Mismo” Friday, February 19, where he is keynote speaker. Ramos said Filipinos should vote for a president who will take care for the future of the young people. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Anti-Arroyo but pro-Gibo :) Former President Fidel V. Ramos called President Teodoro "dependable, thoroughly professional, and incomparably competent".

With US Ambassador Kristie Kenney

2010-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

For the Kids

2010-01-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

Typhoon Ondoy

2010-01-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

(Photo by Jason Gutierrez/IRIN)
Typhoon Ondoy was an unprecedented natural disaster that was worse than Hurricane Katrina. Ondoy dumped 455 mm of rain within 24 hours in Quezon City alone, compared to the 250 mm of rain dumped by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

The United States government, with all its resources, struggled to cope with Katrina in 2005. It is no surprise that the Philippine government, which has much fewer resources, struggled to cope with Ondoy, which was a lot worse than Katrina. It was impossible to respond to all the calls for help all at the same time, given the magnitude of the natural disaster.

(I repeat, NATURAL DISASTER. Blaming Gibo for Ondoy is like blaming Cory Aquino for the 1990 earthquake and the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo.)

When Sec. Teodoro issued a flash appeal for international aid through the United Nations, the UN reviewed the status of the government's relief efforts. The UN's objective assessment was that the government had done a good job given its limited resources and the scale of the disaster.

From USA Today, October 6, 2009:
U.N. representative Jacqueline Badcock said the government responded well to the calamity but was clearly overwhelmed. "The government has really tried its best," she said. "When you get something that really is unprecedented and catastrophic like the Manila flood, the government is not able to cope."

From Philippine Star, October 13, 2009:
United Nations Undersecretary General John Holmes said, “I admire the efforts of the Philippine government. We are trying to support the relief efforts of the government as much as we can."

* * * * *

Sec. Teodoro, the chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), absorbed much of the public's frustration over Ondoy. What most people did not realize was that under the law (PD 1566), it was the local government units (LGUs) who were supposed to have been the primary responders during the disaster, not the NDCC.

The NDCC is just an ad hoc committee. It is not a permanent organization. It does not even have a regular budget because it does not directly handle operations.

Local governments are the ones who are allotted a budget for disaster relief (5% of their total annual revenue is reserved for disaster management). The law placed the budget and the primary responsibility on local governments for the simple reason that local governments are the ones closest to affected areas when a disaster strikes.

Section 1 of PD 1566, the law on disaster preparedness, states that:
- Responsibility for leadership rests on the Provincial Governor, City Mayors, and Municipal Mayors, (and Barangay Chairman), each according to his area of responsibility;
- The national government exists to support the local government.

The NDCC's role as defined in PD 1566 is actually very limiting. PD 1566 is an old law that was passed in 1978 when Defense Ministers had more powers. This is why there are pending Disaster Risk Management bills right now in the Senate and Congress. The bills seek to replace the ad hoc NDCC with a permanent Disaster Risk Reduction Council (DRRC) that will be given the right powers and resources to correct the weaknesses of the current law. Sec. Teodoro brought up this same suggestion to members of the House before the bill was filed.

(Source: "Teodoro welcomes replacement of NDCC with new agency", Philippine Star, October 8, 2009)

* * * * *
Sec. Teodoro did not delay the purchase of rubber boats. Records at the Department of National Defense show that Sec. Teodoro authorized the purchase of 100 rubber boats on March 6, 2009 (7 months before Ondoy) through a negotiated procurement if necessary, and requested delivery within 4 months instead of the usual 8 months.

Because the NDCC does not have a budget, the purchase had to be made through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), which is administered by another official. The OCD decided to conduct a regular public bidding to ensure transparency and accountability.

The OCD, as of December 2008, had distributed 182 rubber boats to different local government units (LGUs) and government agencies. Priority was given to LGUs that have fewer resources and are known to be flood-prone.

The more well-funded LGUs could have acquired their own rubber boats, since they are the primary responders designated by law and have the budgets allotted for disaster management.

(Source: "'Don't blame Teodoro on boat purchase'", Philippine Star, October 15, 2009)

* * * * *
Our armed forces make many sacrifices for very little pay. They put their lives on the line to rescue people during the flood. They spent weeks sweeping away garbage and carrying sacks of relief goods to evacuation centers. This was all beyond the call of duty, and some of them lost their lives. People who say they didn't do enough should watch this.

Typhoon Ondoy was worse than Hurricane Katrina. We Filipinos got through it through a joint effort of the government, the NGOs, and private corporations. We should be proud that we got through it together. Stop sowing hate for the government. It doesn't help anyone.

* * * * *
From an assessment of Sec. Teodoro's performance during Ondoy by Marichu Villanueva, Philippine Star, October 2, 2009:

While others were busy nitpicking on the sidelines, it is noteworthy that Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. did not allow himself to be distracted from doing his job as chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

It is no easy job to be on the shoes, rather on the rubber boots of Gibo.

The immediate task before him is to mitigate the devastation wrought by Ondoy in Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna and Cavite. But given the available rescue resources at his disposal at the NDCC, Gibo had to make the hard decision “to give priority” to areas at most risk of being wiped out. At the height of Ondoy’s onslaught, Gibo identified the cities of Marikina and Pasig and Cainta as the areas where the rescue efforts must focus first.

We are again faced with the threats of “Pepeng” which weather experts fear may develop into a “super” typhoon. Barely coping with the continuing demands of relief operations, Gibo is changing tack. This early, he has deployed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to implement a “pre-emptive” evacuation of residents living in high-risk places or those prone to severe flooding and landslide. As the NDCC chief, Gibo also mobilized the Philippine National Police to help implement the “pre-emptive” evacuation, especially of women and children and those less physically able to move them out of harm’s way.

Of course, such forced evacuation is an extreme measure. For sure, a forced evacuation would certainly be met with stiff resistance. The natural instinct of people would be to stay in their homes and protect their remaining valuables. This was the same dilemma of rescuers at the height of Ondoy’s wrath. We could not blame these people when looters are all over the place taking advantage of the calamity situation.

After taking stock of the extent of damage wrought by Ondoy all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces, Gibo raised the call for help to the international community. A leader does not pussyfoot in calling for outside help when faced with odds beyond one’s reach.

Fortunately, there was immediate response on humanitarian relief assistance that started pouring in from our neighbors and allies. The United States was the first to come to help. Friends from the international community later responded one after the other like China, France, Australia, the European Union, Singapore, Germany, Canada, and many other countries heeding the SOS call of the Philippines.

Last Tuesday, Gibo had a close call of sorts with Mother Nature. Accompanied by PNP Deputy Director General Leopoldo Bataoil, Gibo took a morning flight on board a Vietnam-vintage UH-1H helicopter from Camp Aguinaldo to conduct aerial survey of Ondoy’s damages in Central Luzon. Safely landing at an Army camp in Arayat, Pampanga, they proceeded to the site where the landslides happened killing 12 persons. After they visited the affected residents and condoled with their families, they took off for Manila by noon. But by that time, bad weather started to develop.

While airborne, the Huey chopper struggled through thick clouds battered by strong winds and heavy rains. I’ve ridden many times in a Huey chopper and I know the feeling inside such a rough ride. A certified fixed-wing pilot, Gibo agreed not to push their luck. They diverted instead to Clark Field where Teodoro and his party planned to proceed to Manila by land.

With already zero visibility, the pilot was forced to take a precautionary landing at the first clearing he saw. It turned out to be the Ayala Mall in San Fernando City. The chopper had a safe touchdown near a garbage area. Hence, garbage trashes were flown all over the place by the whirring of the huge chopper rotor blades.

Wearing a ball cap, Gibo was initially accosted by the mall’s security guard and asked them: “Mga sino kayo?” It was only after Gibo removed his cap when the guard finally recognized him. The guard later told Gibo he has seen him on TV during the past few days. While cooling their heels at the mall’s coffee shop, some people started to recognize Gibo and gathered around posing for photographs with him. The group took off an hour later for Manila taking the same Huey chopper.

If it is any source of comfort for Gibo, at least there is now some increased awareness by people of who he is. But in fairness to the guy, he has resisted using this crisis situation he is busy with, as a platform for his presidential bid. He has the propriety and decency to keep politics aside for now.

* * * * *
From Manila Bulletin, February 5, 2010:

At the first council meeting of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), Alfonso Uy, FFCCCII national president, said Teodoro’s extraordinary crisis leadership typifies the spirit of Filipino-Chinese volunteerism that is geared at mitigating the effect of disasters on peoples' lives without media fanfare and mileage.

“That is extraordinary leadership, when you do something good without expecting public adulation in return,” he said.

Teodoro was welcomed warmly by an enthusiastic gathering of the influential FFCCCII, which has 170 member-organizations nationwide.

Uy said that Teodoro, the assembly’s guest speaker, has been an active partner of the FFCCCII in the chambers’ activities in the latter’s capacity as chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) until November of last year.

"During relief operations for typhoons Frank and Ondoy, we saw how effective, methodical and hardworking a crisis manger Secretary Teodoro is," Uy told the meeting to resounding applause by participants.

Gibo Wows Davao

2010-01-23T01:00:00.001-08:00

Spotted: Anton Lagdameo, hubby of Dawn Zulueta, solid behind Gibo!

Yup, she's also for Gibo :)

Fans from Davao on a fun walk

How to Volunteer

2010-01-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Contact the person closest to where you live.

See latest directory of the Green Team volunteer group here. There are other volunteer groups aside from Green Team. You can even start your own!

Private Armies

2010-01-22T23:40:00.000-08:00

The truth of the matter, as a foreign observer from the Wall Street Journal sees it:

FORMER Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro is the most viable candidate for the presidency next year because he is the only one with a “solid background in law and order,” according to an editor of the Wall Street Journal.

“None of the other front-runners in the 2010 presidential derby has a solid background in law and order,” Brett Decker, the business paper’s opinion editor, said in the daily’s online edition late last month.

“A volatile situation underscores the need for a leader competent in handling law-and-order problems,” he said.

(Sources: Manila Standard Today, Manila Bulletin)

* * *
Why do civilian armed forces exist?

Civilian armed forces (“private army”) have historically been used by the government to help maintain peace and order in different parts of the country because the government lacks funds to hire additional regular military personnel and pay their employment and retirement benefits.

During Martial Law under President Ferdinand Marcos, there were paramilitary groups like the Civilian Home Defense Forces (CHDF). These groups were dissolved by the 1987 Constitution, but were replaced with citizen armed forces. On July 25, 1987, President Cory Aquino signed Executive Order (E.O.) 264, which created the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units (CAFGU). On July 14, 2006, President Gloria Arroyo signed E.O. 546 which deputized barangay tanods and Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVO). Local governments were directed to provide funding and logistical support for these units.

(Source: NEWSBREAK, "Fast facts about CAFGU and paramilitary forces", December 27, 2008)

Former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said that the Philippines at present has only 120,000 regular soldiers for 90 million Filipinos living in 7,107 islands. In contrast, Malaysia has 128,000 soldiers for 26 million people living in one compact territory (not an archipelago), while Thailand has 300,000 soldiers for 80 million people.

(UPDATE Feb 22, 2010) Teodoro proposed during his speech at the Makati Business Club that smaller military units with elite training and surgical-strike capability can be used to wage unconventional warfare, instead of poorly trained paramilitary units which are prone to human-rights abuses. He said insurgency cannot be solved by a huge Armed Forces and an undetermined number of paramilitary troops. A huge military force will not address the basic problem of poverty that afflicts areas of conflict.

(Source: BUSINESS MIRROR, "Teodoro eyes leaner, meaner military units to phase out civilian volunteers", February 22, 2010)

Why is it difficult to disarm citizen’s armies?

Sec. Teodoro said the volatile peace situation in Mindanao prevented the government from disarming private armies during his two-year term as Defense Secretary (August 2007 to November 16, 2009). There was an escalation of problems with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and there was a serious risk that war would erupt. Disbanding civilian forces who were helping maintain peace and order would have created more security problems.

(Source: NEWSBREAK, "Gibo: Mindanao conflict made disarming private armies difficult", January 29, 2010)

A citizen’s army cannot be disarmed on the basis of suspicions alone, because E.O. 546 is still in force to augment the military’s limited regular soldiers with civilian troops to maintain peace and order in different parts of the country.

With E.O. 546 still in force, no matter how notorious the reputation is of a group such as the Ampatuans, a sufficient body of strong, incontrovertible, court admissible evidence of collective violation (not just scattered individual acts) is needed before search warrants or warrants of arrest can legally be executed to collectively disarm an entire army. Arrest or disarmament cannot be done based on hearsay or suspicions alone.

The November 23, 2009 Maguindanao tragedy left a trail of evidence of a collective criminal act that gave legal basis to conduct mass arrests and searches among the Ampatuans and their followers.

Where did the weapons of the Ampatuans come from?

There is an ongoing investigation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to trace the origin of the weapons. Sec. Teodoro urged the AFP to make its report public once it is complete.

Sec. Teodoro said the Ampatuans’ arsenal of weapons could not have been acquired during his term because it is impossible for the Ampatuans to have built the kind of armory that they had in just two years.

Of the weapons found, Sec. Teodoro said only a small portion were government weapons. Only 34 out of the total weapons confiscated had serial numbers corresponding to the AFP, and only around 10% of the bullets confiscated were from the government.

(Source: NEWSBREAK, "Gibo: Mindanao conflict made disarming private armies difficult", January 29, 2010)

How were the Ampatuans able to pilfer some weapons from the government?

This is part of what the AFP is investigating. Sec. Teodoro said the Department of National Defense (DND) has no operational control over the armory of the AFP. The AFP, not the DND, is in charge of the distribution of weapons.

The lawyer of the Ampatuans claimed to the press that Sec. Teodoro had a hand at arming the Ampatuans’ private army. Sec. Teodoro said this accusation was baseless, and challenged the lawyer to file a case in court if he had evidence.

(Source: GMANews.TV, "Gibo dares Ampatuan lawyer", January 25, 2010)

* * *
When Toto Mangudadatu said during his testimony at the Ampatuan trial on January 27, 2010 that Sec. Teodoro warned him about the Ampatuans, some media outlets reported that Mangudadatu was blaming Sec. Teodoro.

Mangudadatu explained that what Sec. Teodoro told him was an expression of concern from a friend who wanted to protect him ("pagmamahal ng isang kaibigan" were Mangudadatu's exact words), and he was not blaming Sec. Teodoro. Mangudadatu issued this clarification, but the biased press did not carry it:

From Manila Bulletin, February 3, 2010:

Vice Mayor Esmail “Toto” Mangudadatu of Buluan town, Maguindanao has clarified that an attempt by Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. to dissuade him to run against Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. in the gubernatorial race in Maguindanao elections before the gruesome murder of 57 persons last November 23 was not aimed at dislodging him from the political scene but a “sincere advice from a friend” wanting to protect him from possible aggression from the Ampatuans.

In a press conference at the Linden Suites in Pasig City, Mangudadatu, whose wife Gennalyn was among those killed in the massacre in Ampatuan town, also reiterated his support to Teodoro’s candidacy.

“Alam n’yo, ‘party man ako,’ at ang aking support kay Secretary Gilbert Teodoro ay hindi nababahiran yan at hindi maaalis ang aking support sa kanya (You know, I am a ‘party man,’ and my support to Secretary Gilberto Teodoro will never change),” Mangudadatu said.

“At yung mga sinabi Secretary Gibo noon ay pagmamahal bilang isang kaibigan (The advice given to me by Secretary Gibo came from a ‘true friend’),” he said.

Mangudadatu issued the statement in view of negative reactions from various sectors when he revealed during a hearing of the Maguindanao massacre case a week ago that Teodoro asked him not to engage Andal Sr. in the gubernatorial race because he considered him “a violent person.”

Mangudadatu’s statement drew criticisms against the former defense chief for allegedly failing to provide protection to his family that led to the massacre incident.

Others interpreted the vice mayor’s claims as Teodoro favoring the Ampatuan over him in relation to the tense political intramurals in Maguindanao.

“They should not blame Secretary Gibo because he does not have operational control over the military forces in our area. The military commanders in the field are the ones in charge in the operations,” Mangudadatu emphasized.

* * *
MY LITTLE WORDS OF WISDOM:
Toto Mangudadatu, who suffered the biggest personal loss in the November 23, 2009 incident and who understands the situation in Maguindanao better than most people, does not blame Sec. Teodoro. Makes you wonder why certain columnists, amateur web pundits, and presidential candidates are acting more "affected" than Mangudadatu himself.

Chief Justice Davide

2010-01-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

Read "Davide - Super Oportunista" by Ellen Tordesillas.

Davide accepts an award from then Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro at the UN headquarters in New York City, September 2009. Davide then hosted lunch for the party of Secretary Teodoro.

A background on the Davide impeachment case:
The case filed in 2003 was not the arbitrary act of one person. It was endorsed by 93 congressmen representing 41% of the members of the House of Representatives.

The 93 congressmen came from different political parties, not just Teodoro's former party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition or NPC. There were 226 members in the House of Representatives during the 12th Congress in 2001-2004. Only 45 were from the NPC.

Some congressmen later bowed to pressure and withdrew their signatures, but the remaining number was still more than one-third of the total members of the House.

As a matter of fact, many of the congressmen who endorsed the complaint are now prominent members of the Liberal Party and Nacionalista Party.

The case originated from concerns over possible misuse of the Judiciary Development Fund (JDF) that were raised in June 2002 by judicial employees of Naga City and nearby areas, including parts of the congressional district of NPC Rep. Felix William Fuentebella of the 3rd district of Camarines Sur. Fuentebella took charge of the investigation.

On July 22, 2002, the House of Representatives adopted House Resolution No. 460 filed by Rep. Fuentebella directing the House Committee on Justice to conduct an inquiry. The Court declined to submit the documents that Fuentebella and the House Committee on Justice asked for in connection with the inquiry, citing its fiscal autonomy.

Impeachment is not the same as conviction. Impeachment is a process that allows a transparent investigation to take place. The Supreme Court, however, said no impeachment proceedings could be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.

Former President Joseph Estrada filed an earlier impeachment complaint against Davide and seven other justices in June 2003, accusing them of violating the Constitution and plotting his ouster in 2001. Estrada's complaint was dimissed October 22, 2003. The congressmen filed their complaint October 23, 2003.

The opinion of legal experts was split on whether or not the Court should have allowed the inquiry. The ones who disagreed with the decision felt that the Court should not have interfered in the impeachment proceedings, because it was the only way the Legislature could exercise checks and balances on the Judiciary. The ones who agreed with the decision felt the Court had to dismiss the inquiry to protect its independence.

A vote was conducted in the House on November 10, 2003 to decide if the articles of impeachment should be transmitted to the Senate despite the decision of the Supreme Court. Of the congressmen present, 115 voted to accept the Court's decision, while 77 voted against it.

The House members agreed that amendments to PD 1949 should be considered to give Congress the explicit right to look into the Judiciary's use of the JDF in the future. This would provide a check on the Commission on Audit (COA), whose head is appointed by the President. The COA declared there was no fund misuse.

Chief Justice Davide retired from the Supreme Court in 2005. He was appointed Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations by President Arroyo in 2007.

Read "Davide - Super Oportunista" by Ellen Tordesillas.

Gibo in Six Dialects

2010-01-21T17:41:00.000-08:00

This is in order of geographic location, from North to South :)

ILOCANO!

KAPAMPANGAN!

BICOLANO!

ILONGGO!

CEBUANO!

WARAY!

Economy

2010-01-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

Gibo on fiscal issues:

Maintain current rate of consumption taxes, and simplify the system to expand the tax base. "You'll have to improve your tax collection efficiency. There's no choice right now. Given the shortfalls, it is realistic to presume that consumption taxes will stay. I would certainly want some lowering of rates, but it has to be well-studied and well-phased-in because there will be revenue shortfall once you introduce it. And you'll only reap the benefits if there is additional velocity in terms of business transactions to cover that shortfall."

Use debt instead of raising taxes to finance budget deficit, if credit market is favorable. "Sometimes debt is better than taxation, if there is an adequate prospect of repayment. It's really treasury management."

Increase infrastructure and social services spending. Court the private sector within first 100 days in office for joint ventures in upgrading public infrastructure.

Achieve balanced budget by 2014.

Corruption in government can only be minimized, not eradicated, through a carrot-and-stick approach.

(Source: Reuters, January 27, 2010)

* * *
MY LITTLE WORDS OF ADVICE:
Realistic, doable, and carefully considered statements like this indicate that a leader is sincere about fulfilling his promises. Beware of snake oil salesmen who will promise heaven, earth, and the destruction of all evil in the universe just to get elected. "Exaggeration is a blood relation to falsehood."

Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro

2010-01-20T02:29:00.000-08:00

Gibo's bio, written in 2007, from the website of the Department of National Defense:

Early in life, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gilbert” Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr., already showed the makings of a leader and public servant. In his youth, he was elected President of the then Kabataang Barangay for Central Luzon and later, member of the Sanguniang Panlalawigan of Tarlac from 1980 to 1986.

After completing his primary education at the Xavier School, he then pursued his secondary studies at the same school as he also dabbled his involvement in political offices and organizations.

Even with his hands full, Secretary Teodoro successfully completed his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Financial Institutions at the De La Salle University in 1985.

Since then, he focused his sights on acquiring for himself further education and knowledge to aid him in his desire to pursue public service. In 1989, he completed his Law studies at the University of the Philippines where he was awarded the Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence. In the same year, he topped the Philippine Bar exams.

For seven years, he honed his skills as a lawyer in the famed EP Mendoza Law firm. Armed with years of experience, he went to the Harvard Law School in Cambridge for his Master of Laws and completed it in 1997. He was also admitted to the State Bar of New York during the same year.

Secretary Teodoro holds memberships in the following— Integrated Bar of the Philippines, UP Alumni Association, UP Law Alumni Association, Harvard Alumni Association and the Harvard Law Alumni Association.

In 1998, Secretary Teodoro resumed his interrupted political pursuits when he ran and successfully won a seat in Congress. He was Congressman of the First District of Tarlac for three (3) consecutive terms. At the House, he was an Assistant Majority Leader (11th Congress), Head of the Nationalist People’s Coalition House members and a member of the House contingent to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

It was during his three-year terms that he forged friendships and memberships with individuals and institutions, including military.

His desire to learn the intricacies involved in the military prompted him to take the Command and Staff Course Class at the Air Command and Staff College of the Philippine Air Force in 2001, where he was the Leadership and Seminar Academic Excellence Awardee. Two years later, he also completed his Joint and Combined Staff Officers Course at the Joint Command and Staff College where he, too, was bestowed the Leadership Award.

Secretary Teodoro, a licensed commercial pilot with a rating in Lear Jet 31, is a reserve colonel in the Philippine Air Force. He was also an assistant faculty member of the Command and General Staff Course and a lecturer at the Air Command Staff College.

Secretary Teodoro has also since been very supportive of various undertakings by the military and the police. As such, he holds the chairmanship of the Philippine National Police Foundation Inc. he is also an Honorary member of the PMA Alumni Association Sponsoring Class – ’76, Philippine Air Force Aviation Cadet Alumni Association Sponsoring Class – ’80, Association of Chiefs of Police of the Philippines, Inc., and a lifetime member of the Armor-Cavalry Association of the Philippines

Secretary Teodoro is also the recipient of numerous military awards, decorations and commendations such as—the Basic RASS Aeronautical Badge, Honorary Command Pilot, the Caliber .45 Pistol Expert Marksmanship Badge, M-16 Rifle Marksmanship Badge, Military Merit Medal, AFP General Staff Course Badge, Presidential Flight Crew Badge, Military Civic Action Medal (Plain), Military Civic Action Medal with Bronze Service Star, and the Military Civic Action Medal with Second Service Star.

Secretary Teodoro, son of the former SSS Administrator Gilberto, Sr., and Mercedes Cojuangco, has a string of accomplishments and notable achievements to his name. At 43, he serves as the youngest Secretary to hold the Defense portfolio.

Secretary Teodoro is married to Representative Monica Prieto-Teodoro; they have one son – Jaime Gilberto.

Disaster Risk Management

2010-01-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

Gibo on the Disaster Risk Management Act:

"I support pending bills on the national disaster management act. Both versions state that local government units shall be authorized to use not less than 5% of their revenue for disaster risk management, which includes not merely response relief but also preparation and mitigation efforts."

"The events (Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng) have really shown the fact that indeed Local Government Units (LGUs) must take the lead in disaster risk management even in rescue and relief because the different topographies, the different conditions of the local governments cannot be managed and cannot be foreseen by the national government."

"We can be guides by trying to build up the LGUs' capacities by placing some sort of a rational framework or technical framework for decision-making. We have partner agencies that do that, too. With us are the United Nations, the OHA, and the rest. However, the most important thing is to give LGUs the freedom and the leeway to use more funds for capacity building in so far as disaster risk management is concerned. And the proposed law which I support totally will give that."

(Source: FACE TO FACE: 100 Local Government Champions vs 4 Presidential Contenders, via www.gibo.ph)

* * *
Most people don't realize that under the present law on disaster preparedness, PD 1566, it is the local government units (LGUs) who are the designated primary responders during a disaster, not the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

The NDCC is just an ad hoc committee. It is not a permanent organization. It does not even have a regular budget because it does not directly handle operations.

Local governments are the ones who are allotted a budget for disaster relief (5% of their total annual revenue is reserved for disaster management). The law placed the budget and the primary responsibility on local governments for the simple reason that local governments are the ones closest to affected areas when a disaster strikes.

Section 1 of PD 1566, the law on disaster preparedness, states that:
- Responsibility for leadership rests on the Provincial Governor, City Mayors, and Municipal Mayors, (and Barangay Chairman), each according to his area of responsibility;
- The national government exists to support the local government.

Legislative Record

2010-01-20T01:05:00.000-08:00

A summary of Sec. Teodoro's performance during his three terms in Congress:

(I am not counting resolutions filed because I don't think resolutions should be counted as accomplishments. Resolutions are just declarations.)

Bills principally authored:

Total bills filed = 106

Total approved by House of Representatives and transmitted to Senate = 65

Total enacted into law = 6

To see the complete list, click here:
11th Congress
12th Congress
13th Congress

Bills co-authored:

In addition to the 106 bills he principally authored, of which 65 were approved by the House and transmitted to the Senate, Sec. Teodoro co-authored more than 200 bills in his three terms in Congress. For details, go to the official website of the House of Representatives.

Why did Sec. Teodoro not chair committees when he was a Congressman?
Because he gave way to the other members of his former party, the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC). Sec. Teodoro was already the leader of the party, and wanted his party-mates to have the opportunity to head committees instead of taking those opportunities for himself.

From Newsbreak, July 3, 2007:

While practically all congressmen had a long list of committee memberships, and were jockeying for committee chairmanship, Teodoro was listed in only one, the committee on dangerous drugs. And this was because the committee chair, Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque Ablan, insisted that he be included in his committee.

Instead of getting committee positions, [Teodoro's Chief of Staff in Congress Filadelfo] Diaz said Teodoro gave way to his partymates in the NPC.

As NPC secretary general Michael John “Jack” Duavit said, Teodoro “never needed a position or title.”

“As long as it’s Gibo (how Teodoro is referred to), he’s the boss. When he speaks, that’s it. He doesn’t need any formal position, he just shows himself, that’s okay,” Duavit said.

* * *
I decided to put up this post after an article came out in the Philippine Daily Inquirer website on February 5, 2010 (timestamp 22:01) about a presidential forum organized by ABS-CBN at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) where Sec. Teodoro was not able to attend. This is part of what the article said:

When ABS-CBNnews.com chief Maritess Vitug announced that she would discuss the backgrounds of Aquino and Villar being the frontrunners and of Teodoro, being the administration bet, the former defense chief got the loudest cheers from the audience.

Seemingly surprised, Vitug told the young audience that perhaps they like Teodoro because of his "good looks". The audience, however, answered a collective "No!".

So Vitug asked, "Is it because of his smart answers?"

The audience said "Yes!"

When she gave Teodoro's brief background, Vitug, a veteran journalist, pointed out his less than stellar performance. For example, she said that despite being smart, he never chaired a House committee in his three terms as congressman.

I didn't think this last paragraph was an adequate presentation of facts, and I thought the veteran journalist was being partisan. Later on, another version of the article came out in the Inquirer.Net website, dated February 6, 2010 (timestamp 22:00). The last paragraph above was removed. These are really strange times in Philippine journalism. It's no secret ABS-CBN favors one candidate. The Inquirer also has its favorite, but I'm glad they updated that version of the article.

Updating the Constitution

2010-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

Gibo on the Constitution:

"I am in favor of Charter Change. I think the 1987 Constitution is a reactive constitution. It looks back, because it had a purpose--to remove all vestiges of a dictatorial regime. But that is a transient goal, and it has already performed that goal. We must now look forward."

"The present Constitution is hamstrung. There is no synergy among government institutions. There is always check and balance, but there is no synergy. We need to change this to a more open, transparent, and flexible political system. Not a parliamentary system, because the Filipino people will not really accept a leader of the country that they did not elect. Perhaps a presidential unicameral system."

"The economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution are overly restrictive, not merely for foreign investment, but also for domestic investment. I've been espousing that maybe foreign ownership of certain types of land is acceptable. Perhaps foreigners can own commercial, industrial, tourist, or residential land with a reverse cap above a certain amount in value, so low-cost housing does not suffer."

"In terms of local government autonomy, what I want to do is empower Congress to determine what regions should be given enhanced autonomy, when and how. Maybe federalism would be an end, but not at the present time. But I am not in favor of providing autonomy to areas which are not ready. Autonomy is only for areas which are ready and able to govern themselves, without the national government spoonfeeding."

"A constitutional convention is a capital investment, a building block investment for the foundations of our state in the future. If we keep on remedying our situation with piecemeal legislation, this is not sustainable. We need sustainable development, sustainable change, sustainable growth. And that can only be done with actual amendments to our Constitution."

(Source: FACE TO FACE: 100 Local Government Champions vs 4 Presidential Contenders, via www.gibo.ph)

Amending the Constitution through a Constitutional Convention, as Sec. Teodoro proposes, is the check and balance that will prevent abuse. Under a Constitutional Convention, the people will elect their own delegates per region, and the resulting group will be the body that will formulate, and vote on, amendments to the Constitution, not the president. But if the people still don't find a con-con acceptable or suspect there is a hidden agenda, Sec. Teodoro says it will not proceed.

* * *
Constitutional amendments are a normal part of a country's evolution. Nations that do not respond to change become stagnant and stuck in the past. (Had there been no "cha-cha" in 1899, we would still be called "The Republic of Biak-Na-Bato".) Singapore's constitution has been amended 4 times since independence in 1965 (an average of once every 11 years). The United States constitution has been amended 27 times since independence in 1787 (an average of once every 8 years). Charter change is not a bad thing as long as the proposed changes will move the country forward. We have been trapped in 1987 for too long, and the self-serving disinformation certain opposition camps spread about the meaning of charter change is not helping.

Stop the Hate. Stop the Hate. Stop the Hate.

2010-01-20T00:24:00.000-08:00

“Let’s have a positive campaign instead of a campaign of hate. A campaign of hate is not
going to take our country anywhere. It will only lead us to perdition."
- words of advice from the late Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, three days before he died

A must-read from Rev. Dr. Emi Domingo, DIYARYO EMI:

Parang lahat ng oposisyon ay galit sa kasalukuyang gobyerno. Hinihikayat nila ang publiko na magalit sa kasalukuyang gobyerno at sila ang iboto sa eleksyon 2010.

Mayroon ba talagang perpektong gobyerno? Mayroon ba talagang gobyerno na walang oposisyon? Mayroon ba talagang gobyerno na hindi nagkamali o nagkakamali?

Ang plataporma ng galit ay ang pinakamaruming estilo ng kampanya sa pulitika. Sapagkat sa ganitong estilo kinakanti mo lang ang damdamin ng mga mamamayang di na nasisiyahan sa kasalukuyang gobyerno sa pag-asang ang iyong gobyerno ay walang magiging pagkukulang. Di ba’t paulit-ulit lang ang mga pangyayari sa bayan ni Juan. Tuwing eleksyon ang mga oposisyon ay kontra sa gobyerno. Sinasabi nila na mas maganda ang kanilang magiging pamamahala. Kapag sila naman ang naupo ang mga dating nakaupo ang magiging oposisyon. Hindi ba ninyo napapansin umikut-ikot lang ang mga tauhan sa komedya ng pulitika?

Ang ganitong environment sa pulitika ay hindi matatapos hangga’t ang estilo ng mga pulitiko ay hindi nagbabago. Ang kampanya ng walang taros na pagpuna, pagbatikos at paninira sa gobyerno ay estilo ng maruming pulitika. Kung hindi man naging perpekto ang gobyernong ito ay sapagkat wala naman talagang perpektong gobyerno. Ano ba ang inaasahan natin? Isang perpektong gobyerno na pinamamahalaan ng mga di perpektong tao? Maging makatotohanan naman tayo. Tayo’y nabubuhay sa di perpektong mundo kasama ang mga di perpektong mga tao. Ano’t umaasa tayo ng isang perpektong gobyerno?

Mayroong mga pagkakamali na nagawa ang kasalukuyang gobyerno. At sigurado ako, mayroon ding pagkakamaling magagawa ang susunod na gobyerno. Sa kabilang panig, mayroon din naman silang nagawang tama. Ang kampanya na nakatuon lang sa mga pagkakamali ng kasalukuyang gobyerno ay hindi patas at makatarungan.

Ang kampanya ng galit ay naghahasik ng galit. Kapag nanalo ang isang gobyerno sa kampanya ng galit, ang mamamayan nito’y mamumuhay sa galit. Panahon lang muli ang magsasabi kapag sila naman ang makagawa ng pagkakamali ang galit na ito’y muling sasabog, mas malakas at mas mapinsala kaysa dati. Hindi na matatapos ang ikot ng galit sa mga mamamayan.

Ang ating bayan ay masyado ng sugatan at hati-hati sa mahabang panahon dulot ng maruming estilo ng pulitika. Ang kampanya ng emosyon at kasikatan ay hindi pangmatagalan. Kailangan gamitin natin ang talino sa pagpili ng susunod na gobyerno. Ang galit sa di perpektong gobyerno ay muling mauulit sapagkat siguradong hindi rin perpekto ang susunod na gobyerno. Ang plataporma ng gobyerno ay hindi dapat nakasalalay sa emosyon ng galit kundi sa pagkakasundo. Ang gobyerno ay hindi maaring magtagumpay sa gitna ng hati-hating mamamayang nagpupuyos sa galit.

Ang pagtatayo ng gobyerno ay tulad din ng pagtatayo ng bahay na kailangang ito’y nakatayo sa karunungan. The Bible says, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established” (Prov. 24:3) Ang literal na kahulugan ng salitang “wisdom” ay “practical skill.” Ang susunod na Pangulo ay dapat may praktikal na kakayahan upang mamuno. Ang pagkamaka-Diyos ay given na. Wala naman sigurong kandidatong maka-demonyo? Kung meron man, outright out na agad. Hindi rin isyu na sila ay perpekto o walang kapintasan. Dahil kung ito’y isyu, out na rin silang lahat, dahil walang perpekto sa kanila.

Ang tunay na isyu ay sino sa kanila ang may praktikal na kakayahan upang mamuno? Hindi ito ang panahon upang mag-eksperimento ng bagong kapitan sa gitna ng maalon at mapanganib na karagatan. Hindi rin ito ang panahon para sa mga retiradong pinuno na wala ng lakas at bagong pangitain.

Kailangan natin ang pinuno na naniniwala sa angking kakayahan ng bawat Pilipino na labanan ang kahirapan ng hindi umaasa sa pamahalaan.

(First posted on Facebook by fan Anthony F.)

* * *

Photo taken by dad of Facebook fan Francis G at Takbo Para Kay Gibo, January 16, 2010
"It's time we put political bickering in the back alley. As president, you have to have the ability to work with even your strongest political opponent. If we are able to get through this election without division, if we are able to carry this election on positive notes, that's a very important thing we will have achieved. You'll have to lead after you win. You have to get the people positive and upbeat to follow you. Having started a negative campaign, you start your administration with a division that's probably incurable. That's not the way to go, not the way I want my administration to start."
- Gibo Teodoro, ANC interview, November 20, 2009

Rico Blanco

2010-01-10T02:41:00.000-08:00

In a nutshell:
- The use of the song "Posible" from Gibo's side was legal.
- The dispute is between Rico Blanco and his former manager Lizza Nakpil. They have been embroiled in a legal battle for years.
- Rico Blanco left the band Rivermaya years ago.
- The "Posible" ad was replaced not because it was not legal, but because the controversy that was created around it made it impractical to continue airing the ad.

See more details and the copyright certificate on Spot.Ph.

The existing band members of Rivermaya fully support Gibo, as seen from the song "Lipad" that they wrote especially for him (for free).

"Ang kantang "Lipad" ng Rivermaya ay regalo ng Rivermaya at ni Gibo sa lahat ng estudyante, lalo na ang graduating students of 2010. Since we agree with Gibo Teodoro's vision for our youth and his plan for our country, we agreed that a version of this song would be used in Gibo's ad, which turned out to be more of a music video than an ad. Both Rivermaya and Team Gibo wanted something different that would set us apart from the traditional political ad. We support Gibo not only as Rivermaya but also as responsible citizens of the Phlippines, and for this we did not expect any payment for our participation. We are not endorsers because endorsers are paid, like you, we are supporters! Our only request was that we be allowed to give away the song "Lipad" for FREE. Very soon, it will be part of a free bonus CD that will be given to students with valid IDs. The bonus CD will also include an acoustic version of "Lipad" and an acoustic version of our other single called "Ambotsa" short for "Ambot sa imo". This is Rivermaya's first song featuring english, tagalog and bisaya lyrics. You may also listed to all it on our own facebook page at www.facebook.com/rivermayamusic. Maraming salamat :)"
Facebook message of Rivermaya's Mark Escueta

Rivermaya's Mark Escueta with Gibo

Rivermaya's Jayson Fernandez with Gibo

Gibo with Rivermaya's Mark Escueta and Mark's girlfriend Jolina Magdangal

Here's the Facebook message of Dennis Garcia, the musical scorer behind the "Posible" ad. It shows how Warner Music and Rico Blanco exploited the situation.

I am a painfully shy person and this incident has given me extreme (and undeserved) irritation and anxiety. But I have always told my kids – never back off from a fight when you know you are right.

And so… my side.

I have been doing creative work for political clients for nearly two decades. At every opportunity, I make it a point to recommend that my clients use Original Pinoy Music. More often than not, OPM tends to make a campaign material ‘feel good’ and creates a connection with the audience much, much faster. What’s even nicer, it helps rekindle fondness for Original Pinoy Music whose rise to popularity I am proud to be a part of (with my band HOTDOG).

And I have unleashed this passion for OPM every election season. There was “Umagang Kay Ganda” for a Joe de Venecia TV ad in 1998. And the unforgettable “Mr Palengke” in 2004, Mar Roxas’ battle hymn adapted from a Parokya ni Edgar song. In 2007, there was Alan Peter Cayetano’s “Ito ang Gusto Ko” adapted from Francis M’s classic ditty. Same year saw Darlene Custodio knock out Pacman with “Bongga Ka ‘Day”. And the list goes on and on…

Recently, I was tasked to score the music for a Gibo Teodoro TV material. Given a free hand to use whatever music (existing or original) I want… I opted to go OPM.

I chose a gem I heard extensively during the SEA Games in Manila a few years back. The song was "Posible"… and I tracked down the artists and the publisher through my Viva friends.

The publisher turned out to be Ms. Lizza Nakpil. I had the paperwork prepared, the details spelled out… and paid the agreed-upon license fees (one of the perks of my being a composer is the fact that I tend to get charged much, much cheaper fees. Of course, the savings are always passed on to clients. Friend's price!).

I recorded the tune with the intention of staying faithful to the inspiring spirit of the song – with just one, solitary lyric change… ‘Gibo’ instead of ‘Laban’.

Everyone involved was happy with the results. The music, though merely there for setting the mood, was a great fit.

However when the TVC aired… a million speculations and conspiracy theories were hatched.

Each one – wrong.

No. The song was not illegally used. (I’m one of the staunchest defenders of Intellectual Property Rights – and will fight for its enforcement… patayan kung patayan.)

No. The song was not created to make it appear the band was endorsing the candidate.

No. We didn't hire a sound-alike to fool people. (The singer is one of my in-house talents who NEVER mimics other voices)

No. Gibo was not ignorant of IPR laws. (A trusting soul… Gibo left things up to me – showing a complete faith in my judgment, in my knowledge of how to be fair to my fellow musicians and songwriters… and in my inherent desire to always push for Original Pinoy Music.)

Through my nephew Toti Dalmacion, head of Terno Records, I relayed all these points to Rico Blanco (front man/creative guru of Rivermaya) who was being bombarded by tweets that mostly peddled innuendos. He listened and showed appreciation for the facts… and the truth.

I set a meeting with him on Jan. 6 to clear the air and correct any misconceptions. And he readily accepted. On the appointed date, he said there was no need to meet... that he knew there was no bad faith involved and that I should just inform his management team at Warner Music about the license.

Not content with just a phone call, I took pains to have the license sent to Warner Music’s offices on Jan. 7 for their review. (This completely creates doubts about Warner Music’s assertion in their press releases on Jan. 8 and 9 that “all it would have taken was phone call” to fix the matter.)

With the combative actions of Warner, I contacted Lizza to provide me with additional supporting papers for the song… which she did.

I now wonder what motives are behind this whole episode. There was never an instance of bad faith. Why penalize a diehard supporter of OPM? Why so many press releases? Why target Gibo ruthlessly?

But what worries me more is the fact that this incident will needlessly scare candidates from using Original Pinoy Music for their campaigns.

Goodbye, OPM. Hello… ‘nobody, nobody but you’.

PS. I expect a sincere apology from Rico Blanco and his music label. I also intend to file a case of piracy of my lyrics for the songs "O Lumapit Ka" and "Ikaw Pa Rin" which Warner Music brazenly used without remuneration and permission. Hey guys, practice what you preach.

Is It or Is It Not MBC's Stand?

2009-12-07T23:23:00.000-08:00

This is from a column written by Butch Castillo in the Business Mirror. MBC's yellow ties run deep. Oftentimes, MBC represents political interests more than business interests. The much bigger Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is the group that really speaks for the business community.

Is it, or is it not, MBC’s stand?
Written by Butch del Castillo / Omerta
MONDAY, 07 DECEMBER 2009 22:58

This is Cory Aquino with MBC president Ramon del Rosario. Del Rosario was one of the people who gave a eulogy in her funeral mass.

"Martial law bad for business—MBC.”

Thus ran the headline across four columns of the second-biggest front-page story in the Manila Bulletin’s Sunday (December 6) issue. Upon reading it, I was instantaneously irritated.

What? How could even such a politically partisan group such as the Makati Business Club (MBC)—which claims to speak for big business—come out with such an ill-advised stand, I asked myself. This was even before proceeding to read the news item itself.

I know the MBC to be thoroughly anti-Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Not only that, it has come out in open support of Noynoy Aquino’s presidential bid in the current campaign. Countless times it has objected to, and often severely criticized, practically her every official act. This group, which claims to be the voice of “many” of the top 1,000 corporations in the country, has been unabashedly and even rabidly pro-Noynoy and anti-anybody else.

Ordinary folk don’t really give a damn whatever the MBC’s political preferences are for the simple reason that they don’t believe the MBC speaks for the entire business sector. In fact, there is basis in the popular belief that those who comprise the MBC comprise the minority in Philippine business.

Right now, there is a clear dividing line between the very vocal old-money businessmen (whose ranks are diminishing, by the way), and the quieter but more financially powerful new-money businessmen “with one-syllable surnames.” In a face-off between the MBC and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce, for instance, who do you think would have a stronger, more influential voice? Let’s face it, it is the latter that has risen in financial clout over the past few decades to gigantic proportions. The members of the federation now actually dominate the bulk of trade and commerce in this country.

The big difference, of course, is that they are less flamboyant than the denizens that make up the MBC. They generally prefer to talk less and take political sides in the safe and proven way—very quietly, but more “substantially.”

And now comes the MBC describing as “bad for business” the government’s decision to impose martial rule in a province where lawlessness prevails. The statement tries to leave the impression that it speaks out the sentiment of Philippine business itself. But unwittingly, perhaps, the MBC has only succeeded in demonstrating its rabid political partisanship on an issue (the massacre) that has angered not only the rest of the nation but the entire world as well.

I remember the time when the MBC commanded more respect when it was founded back in the early 1980s by a handful of respected pillars in the business community—among them, Enrique Zobel, Cesar Buenaventura, Jaime Ongpin (all deceased), Rogelio Pantaleon, Bernardo Villegas, Washington Sycip and Jaime Zobel de Ayala. In Buenaventura’s first-person account of those days (which was shortly after Marcos had lifted martial law but retained “sweeping decree-making powers”), there was a need for the business sector to speak out in a single, solid voice “not to lobby for its own corporate sectoral interest, but to support or oppose policies which affected national life.”

Back in those days, the MBC was full of noble intentions. Buenaventura wrote: “But unlike the habit of the day, it simply was not enough to sit back and complain, it was felt that to be relevant, we should be constructive in our criticism.” Thus, he said, “the MBC was born—as a forum for constructive ideas.”

When I finally got to read the Bulletin news item itself (I had needlessly worked myself up over the headline that made me believe the MBC was against martial law in Maguindanao), I realized that the views expressed were wholly those of Alberto Lim, MBC executive director. His views on martial law, the story said, were given “in his personal capacity.” Realizing that I had been misled (by the headline) into forming a negative opinion of the MBC only made matters worse.

The officers of MBC should tell Lim to shut up unless he is expressly authorized to voice the group’s collective sense on any national issue. He’s not doing the MBC any good by opening up so freely without consulting the organization.

I vaguely remember Guillermo Luz, Lim’s predecessor. He, too, was spokesman and executive director of the MBC. After a while, he became a very controversial figure. Too controversial, in fact, they had to let him go.

* * *
Makati Business Club admits Gibo is better than Noynoy and Villar:
From Business World, February 19, 2010:

THE COUNTRY’S premier business group yesterday said administration bet and former Defense secretary Gilberto "Gibo" C. Teodoro, Jr. of the Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) has presented clearer goals and plans of action compared to other leading presidential candidates.

Alberto A. Lim, Makati Business Club (MBC) executive director, said after the MBC general meeting that in contrast to Liberal Party (LP) bet Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III and Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Senator Manuel "Manny" B. Villar, Jr., who previously presented themselves to the group in separate occasions, Mr. Teodoro "pointed out specific programs, specific goals and specific time lines to achieve such goals. He’s very articulate... we think he’s very good."

(Gloria Arroyo is the only "issue" they have against Gibo, and it's a non-issue for a lot of other people. In the Business World article, the Makati Business Club official actually said Gibo had a "clean and unblemished" image.)

* * *
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) speaks:
At the presidential forum of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on February 16, 2010, this was the feedback (reported by Philippine Star):

PCCI vice chairman Donald Dee said “as usual Gibo (Teodoro) was most impressive.”

Speaking to reporters after yesterday’s presidential debate, Dee said Teodoro’s platform and answers stood out against other aspirants who attended the forum.

The PCCI panel, composed of representatives from various business organizations, was also reported to have been dazzled by Teodoro’s performance.

The panel was composed of Miguel Varela, chairman emeritus of PCCI; Alfonso Uy, president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation; Edgardo Lacson, president of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines; Jesus Pineda, chairman of Philippines Inc.; Eusebio Tan, president of the Management Association of the Philippines and Gregorio Navarro, president of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines.

Ortiz-Luis criticized the stand of Aquino on fiscal prudence. “I have never agreed with fiscal prudence. We should spend in accordance with our growth targets. We have to expand our economy,” Ortiz-Luis said.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. is best to be at the helm of the country in times of national crises, a key leader of the Filipino-Chinese business community said Friday.

At the first council meeting of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), Alfonso Uy, FFCCCII national president, said Teodoro’s extraordinary crisis leadership typifies the spirit of Filipino-Chinese volunteerism that is geared at mitigating the effect of disasters on peoples' lives without media fanfare and mileage.

“That is extraordinary leadership, when you do something good without expecting public adulation in return,” he said.

Teodoro was welcomed warmly by an enthusiastic gathering of the influential FFCCCII, which has 170 member-organizations nationwide.

Uy said that Teodoro, the assembly’s guest speaker, has been an active partner of the FFCCCII in the chambers’ activities in the latter’s capacity as chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) until November of last year.

"During relief operations for typhoons Frank and Ondoy, we saw how effective, methodical and hardworking a crisis manger Secretary Teodoro is," Uy told the meeting to resounding applause by participants.