The Philippine Online Chronicles

I thought of including Gibo in my shortlist of presidentiables, but I have  reservations too, you know =).

In an exclusive meeting between him and Blogwatch bloggers organized by Vibal Foundation and Philippine Online Chronicles at Manila Peninsula Hotel, although I came in late because of other commitments, I got to ask the last question.

I asked Mr. Teodoro how he intends to overcome the seeming liability of being affiliated with the present administration, and should he win, how he intends to convince doubting Thomases that there had been a credible election in order to unite the nation?

Mr. Teodoro replied that his campaign strategy is to discuss issues and platforms, and to refrain from taking part in political mudslinging. In this way, he hopes to convince the electorate that he is not a "trapo" although he is the administration standard bearer. Likewise, he believed that this will enable him to extend an olive leaf after the battle has been won.

My encounter with Gibo, though brief, left an impression of a smart and confident presidentiable who can articulately answer issues head-on. In addition to that, he has a charming and equally intelligent and well-informed wife. If my reading of him is correct, he would like to impress on people that he is his own man, and therefore should not be judged by his affiliations. However, it remains to be seen how he intends to handle GMA after she steps down from the presidency.

I hope the second meeting with him will push through so that I can hear straight from the horse's mouth his stand on various issues affecting the nation.

Photo by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. Some Rights Reserved.